Disasters & Accidents

20 missing as Baltimore bridge collapses after cargo ship impact

Washington DC, Mar 26 (EFE).- Rescuers were searching for at least 20 people after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, United States, collapsed on Tuesday due to a large cargo ship colliding with one of its columns, according to media reports.

Local media published video footage showing a cargo vessel colliding against one of the bridge’s columns, resulting in the partial collapse of its central section.

Authorities reported that the collision occurred around 1:30am local time, causing an unspecified number of vehicles plying on the bridge to plunge into the Patapsco River.

“Unfortunately, we understand that there are up to 20 individuals who may be in the Patapsco river as well as multiple vehicles,” Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore City Fire Department, told CNN.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said that local authorities and emergency services were coordinating their response efforts for the incident.

“Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway,” he said on X, formerly twitter.

The low temperatures, hovering around 9 degrees Celsius (48 degrees Fahrenheit), raised concerns for the safety of those submerged in the water.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski took to the social media platforms to assure the public that authorities were “closely monitoring the ongoing situation” at the Key Bridge.

“Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted,” he said.

The 2.5-km (1.6-mile) metal bridge is part of Maryland’s Interstate 695 highway that extends around Baltimore. EFE

ws-ar/bks/sc

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