Baltimore Key Bridge closed after tragic collapse

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a tragic incident unfolded as a segment of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed following a collision with a large vessel. The event, which transpired around 1:30 a.m. ET, saw the involved vessel identified as the Dali, a 948ft (29 meters) Singapore-flagged cargo ship, catch fire and sink, leading to the plunge of multiple vehicles into the waters below. Details continue to emerge.

• Live updates on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

Promptly responding to the crisis, the Maryland Transportation Authority swiftly announced the complete closure of all lanes in both directions on I-695 Key Bridge, rerouting traffic to alternative routes. Baltimore’s Mayor, confirming the presence of emergency responders at the scene, assured ongoing efforts to rescue those affected by the catastrophe.

Baltimore Key Bridge collapses

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, inaugurated in March 1977, spanned the lower Patapsco River and outer Baltimore Harbor, commemorating Francis Scott Key, the renowned author of the American national anthem.

With its impressive main span of 1,200 feet, the bridge boasted the distinction of being the world’s third longest continuous truss span, serving as a vital component of Interstate 695, also known as the “Baltimore Beltway.” Despite its integration into the state highway system, the bridge operated under the purview of the Maryland Transportation Authority as a toll facility, facilitating an estimated 11.5 million vehicle crossings annually.

Initial assessments from the scene indicate that emergency responders are engaged in the search for at least seven individuals presumed to have been in the water during the incident. Ongoing efforts aimed at rescuing and recovering individuals affected by what was termed a “developing mass casualty event,” with concerns remaining over precarious conditions with “some cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge,” exacerbating the risk of further instability.