A ship struck Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday, causing a partial collapse and sending vehicles and people into the water, officials in Maryland said.
“I can confirm at 1:35 a.m., Baltimore City police were notified of a partial bridge collapse, with workers possibly in the water, at the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” the Baltimore Police Department said in a statement.
The Maryland Transportation Authority said the collapse occurred “due to ship strike.”
A view of the partially collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024, in a photo supplied by Andrew Doyle.
Andrew Doyle
Multiple vehicles plunged from the bridge at the time of the collapse, the Baltimore City Fire Department said. Overnight work had been underway on the bridge and divers were searching for at least seven people in the water, the department said.
The bridge, which is part of Interstate 695, crosses the Patapsco River in Baltimore’s harbor.
“All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge,” MDTA officials said in a statement at about 2 a.m. on Tuesday. “Traffic is being detoured.”
ABC News’ Victoria Arancio, Alex Grainger, Sam Sweeney and Felicia Alvarez contributed to this story.
Maryland officials have reported a partial collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which occurred as a result of a ship strike. The incident, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, has raised concerns about the safety and stability of the bridge, which is a vital transportation artery for the city.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named after the author of the Star-Spangled Banner, is a key connector between Baltimore and the surrounding areas. It spans the Patapsco River and is used by thousands of vehicles each day. The bridge is also a critical link for maritime traffic, as it allows ships to pass underneath on their way to and from the Port of Baltimore.
The partial collapse of the bridge occurred when a large cargo ship struck one of the support columns, causing a section of the bridge to crumble and fall into the river below. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident, but the damage to the bridge is extensive and will require significant repairs.
Officials are currently assessing the extent of the damage and working to determine the best course of action for repairing the bridge. In the meantime, traffic has been diverted away from the affected area, causing significant delays for commuters and businesses that rely on the bridge for transportation.
The incident has raised questions about the safety of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and other aging infrastructure in Maryland. The state has been grappling with a backlog of maintenance and repair projects for its bridges and roads, and this latest incident highlights the urgent need for investment in infrastructure upgrades.
In response to the collapse, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has pledged to allocate additional funding for bridge inspections and repairs across the state. He has also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident and has vowed to hold those responsible for the damage accountable.
As officials work to repair the Francis Scott Key Bridge and ensure the safety of other infrastructure in Maryland, residents and commuters are urged to exercise caution and patience as they navigate alternative routes and transportation options. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining and investing in our critical infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
