A mass casualty event has been declared after a bridge in Baltimore, Md., was struck by a container ship Tuesday morning.
Horror footage shows the moment the Francis Scott Key Bridge crumbled after a vessel crashed into the central part of the structure.
The steel arches then instantly dismantled into the Patapsco River shortly before 1:30 a.m.
It was unclear how many vehicles were on the 1.6 mile-long span but the Baltimore City Fire Department confirmed to that “at least seven people” were in the river.
“The dive and rescue team has arrived on scene to locate the individuals,” Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, said.
The horror collapse was filmed and uploaded to a YouTube livestream video, which showed the structure collapsing into the water.
The US Coast Guard and the Maryland Transportation Authority confirmed the crash but provided no further details.
“All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured,” the Maryland Transportation Authority wrote on X.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. said on X that, “Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted.”
The department said the surrounding body of water was filled with diesel.
Multiple Coast Guard boats marked as search and rescue vessels were circling the vessel at around 3 a.m.
All lanes were closed in both directions following the horror incident, the Maryland Transportation Authority said.
The bridge, which is part of I-695, was built in 1977 and crosses into Baltimore’s harbor.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.