A ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore at approximately 1:30am on Tuesday morning, causing the bridge to collapse. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency due to the collapse.
Initially, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press around 3am that emergency responders were searching for at least seven people believed to be in the water. Officials later stated that it may include “up to 20 people.”
Governor Wes Moore communicated the following via social media:
“I have declared a State of Emergency here in Maryland and we are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration.
We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety.
We will remain in close contact with federal, state, and local entities that are carrying out rescue efforts as we continue to assess and respond to this tragedy.”
The Maryland Transportation Authority shared the following: “I-695 Key Bridge Collapse after ship strike. Harbor Crossings alt routes will be I-95 or I-895 tunnels. Vehicles transporting hazardous materials (includes propane +10lbs) are prohibited in tunnels and should use the western section of I-695 around tunnels.”
I have declared a State of Emergency here in Maryland and we are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration.
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) March 26, 2024