Baltimore bridge collapse: Major rescue operation with people missing as cars fall into water
26.03.2024 - 11:39
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A major emergency rescue operation is underway after a bridge in the USA collapsed.
A portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after a large cargo boat struck it early on Tuesday morning, causing multiple vehicles to fall into the water. Authorities and rescue crews said they are working to rescue at least seven people from the Patapsco River, the Mirror reports.
The vessel appeared to have hit one of the supports of the bridge, causing the roadway to break apart in several places and plunge into the water. The ship caught fire and appeared to sink.
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A huge emergency operation is now underway. Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press: "This is a dire emergency. Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people.”
He added that some cargo appeared to be dangling from the bridge. Emergency responders were searching for at least seven people believed to be in the water, Mr Cartwright said.
He called the collapse a 'developing mass casualty event'. He said agencies received 911 calls around 1.30am reporting a vessel travelling outbound from Baltimore that had struck a column on the bridge, causing it to collapse.
Mayor Brandon M Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr posted that emergency personnel were responding and rescue efforts were underway. The Maryland Transportation Authority said: “All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured.”
Baltimore County executive, Johnny Olszewsk posted on Twitter: "I am aware of the situation at the Key Bridge and remain in regular