Baltimore, Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday after being hit by a large cargo ship that was heading to Sri Lanka.
10 vehicles, including an 18 wheeler, fell into the water below.
“I can confirm at 1:35 a.m., Baltimore City police were notified of a partial bridge collapse,” a Baltimore official said.
Livestream video showed the dramatic collapse after the cargo ship rammed a support pillar after losing engine propulsion. The 1.6 mile bridge carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River.
The bridge was closed to traffic after a previous accident. However, multiple workers were on the bridge at the time of the collapse.
Two people were rescued from the water, but an unknown number of workers are still missing.
Divers used underwater drones, sonar and infrared surveillance tools in the search and rescue effort.
A local news outlet reported a fire on board the ship before it crashed. The cargo ship’s lights turned off and then turned back on moments before hitting the pillar.
Maryland’s governor declared a State of Emergency after the tragic accident.
