Baltimore, Maryland – A major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, faced a partial collapse on Tuesday morning after being struck by a container ship, potentially endangering individuals in the river below, according to authorities.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a significant steel structure supporting Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River southeast of Baltimore, was the site of the incident. Responding to the situation, the Baltimore Police Department confirmed the collapse at 1:35 a.m., with reports of workers possibly in the water.
Following the collision, the U.S. Coast Guard received notification at 1:27 a.m. ET that a 948-foot vessel named DALI, flying a Singaporean flag, had impacted the bridge. Responders from the Coast Guard were promptly dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and address any potential pollution concerns.
As the Maryland Transport Authority announced the closure of I-695 due to the bridge collapse caused by a “ship strike,” local officials, including Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. and Mayor Brandon M. Scott, were mobilized to coordinate response efforts and monitor developments.
Images circulated on social media depicted the aftermath of the incident, showing the damaged bridge protruding from the river at daybreak. Videos captured the stationary ship in proximity to the ruined steel structure, highlighting the severity of the collision.
Known locally as the Key Bridge and inaugurated in 1977, the structure spans over 1.2 miles, with the main section extending 1,200 feet. Renamed after the author of the American national anthem, it held the distinction of being one of the longest continuous truss bridges globally upon completion, as per the National Steel Bridge Alliance.
As the situation unfolds, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about any developments or resolutions regarding the bridge collapse.