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A major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, partially collapsed Tuesday morning after it was hit by a container ship, presumably leaving quite a lot of folks within the river under, authorities mentioned.
A spokesperson for Baltimore Police Division advised NBC Information that it was responding to the incident on the Francis Scott Key Bridge, an infinite metal construction which carries the Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River southeast of the Baltimore metropolitan space.
“I can verify at 1:35 a.m., Baltimore Metropolis police have been notified of a partial bridge collapse, with employees presumably within the water, on the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” Detective Niki Fennoy mentioned in an announcement.
The U.S. Coast Guard advised NBC Information it acquired a report at 1:27 a.m. ET {that a} “motor vessel made influence with the bridge” and confirmed it was a 948-foot vessel named DALI, a container ship crusing underneath a Singaporean flag.
“USCG has deployed three response boats, and air pollution responders are en route,” mentioned a spokesman, Petty Officer First Class Matthew West.
The Maryland Transport Authority confirmed that the I-695 was shut due to the Key Bridge collapsing on account of a “ship strike.”
Baltimore County Government Johnny Olszewski, Jr. mentioned on X that he was conscious of the incident and in contact with the hearth service chief, the mayor of Baltimore and different native officers. “Please pray for these impacted,” he mentioned.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said on X he was on his strategy to the bridge. “Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway,” he mentioned.
NBC Information has contacted different emergency response businesses for additional particulars.
Photographs posted to social media early Tuesday present the mangled wreck of the bridge rising out of the river within the daybreak twilight. Video confirmed a stationary ship with its lights nonetheless on, in opposition to the darkish define of the ruined metal construction. A livestream shot of the collision exhibits the ship slowly transfer into the bridge’s assist as vehicles and vans journey on the highway above.
In-built 1977 and referred to regionally because the Key Bridge, it was later named after the writer of the American nationwide anthem.
The bridge is greater than 8,500 toes, or 1.2 miles, lengthy in whole. Its essential part spans 1,200 toes and was one of many longest steady truss bridges on the planet upon its completion, in keeping with the National Steel Bridge Alliance.
This can be a growing story, verify again right here for updates.
