Last Update March 26, 2024 12:19pm ET

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed into the Patapsco River early Tuesday morning, after a cargo ship struck one of its support columns. The ensuing collapse triggered a mass casualty event.

Covered by: Fox News, Lawrence Richard, Landon Mion, Chris Pandolfo and Chad Pergram

Fast Facts

•  The Baltimore Fire Department said agencies received 911 calls around 1:30 a.m. that a vessel struck the bridge 
•  Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. confirmed rescue efforts were underway 
•  The iconic bridge is named after Francis Scott Key, who authored the American National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” 
•  The Francis Scott Key Bridge opened in 1977 

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BREAKING NEWS1 hour(s) ago

PINNED

Cargo ship lost power, sent mayday before hitting Baltimore bridge, governor says

The crew of the cargo ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore lost power and issued a mayday in the moments before the disaster, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said.

The container ship Dali sent the mayday in time for authorities to stop traffic from entering the bridge, limiting the number of vehicles involved in what officials have called a “mass casualty event.” 

“We’re thankful that between the mayday and the collapse that we had officials who were able to begin to stop the flow of traffic so more cars were not on the bridge,” Moore said. 

Authorities said a crew of eight construction workers were on the bridge, in addition to any traffic at the time of the collapse. 

Search and rescue operations pulled two workers from the water, one in critical condition who was hospitalized. Efforts to locate the other six are ongoing.

Authorities said that sonar had detected cars in the water, which is about 50 feet deep. The temperature was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit before dawn on Tuesday, according to a buoy that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Moore said an investigation is ongoing to determine how many people were caught in the collapse and plunged into the river. 

“But the thing we do know is that many of the vehicles were stopped before they got onto the bridge, which saved lives in a very, very heroic way.” 

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

6 min(s) ago

Former Baltimore police commissioner details ‘collateral damage’ from bridge collapse

Former Baltimore Police Commissioner Darryl de Sousa warned of incalculable “collateral damage” from the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster on “America’s Newsroom” on Tuesday.

The bridge collapsed after a cargo ship rammed into one of its support piers. De Sousa noted that as many as 35,000 people used the bridge on a daily basis, not to mention ships that pass under it to access the port in Baltimore Harbor.

“It’s just going to cause so much collateral damage, you know, for the shipping industry,” de Sousa said. “The damage is — you can’t even calculate right now.” 

Maryland officials said the bridge collapse will create a transportation nightmare for months, if not years, along the East Coast. Ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore has been disrupted, not to mention cargo and commuter traffic around the city.

“Losing this bridge will devastate the entire area, as well as the entire East Coast,” state Sen. Johnny Ray Salling told the Associated Press.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

27 min(s) ago

Baltimore bridge collapse to bring trade and traffic chaos

An illustration showing details of the accident that led to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland. (Fox News)

The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge along I-695 in Maryland into the Baltimore harbor following a “ship strike” early Tuesday morning is expected to cause major economic disruptions to the area and across the country. 

The port, a major route for shipping containers and cruise liners, is the deepest harbor in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, closer to the Midwest than other East Coast ports, with five public and 12 private terminals, according to the Maryland government website. 

The I-695 is also a critical link for trucking and motor vehicles linking Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York and the disaster comes ahead of the upcoming Easter Weekend.

The port is the busiest in the U.S. for car shipments, handling more than 750,000 vehicles in 2023, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration. It is also the largest U.S. port by volume for handling farm and construction machinery, as well as agricultural products.

It handled a record amount of cargo last year, making it the 20th biggest port in the nation ranked by total tons, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Chloe Demrovsky, the executive in residence in global economy at New York University, tells Fox News Digital that the port has grown significantly over the last 25 years and the bridge collapse is going to have a devastating impact on the area. 

“Since the widening of deepening of the Panama Canal in 2016, it just became that much more important and capable of docking some of those really large container ships coming out of Asia that could now come through the Panama Canal and go to Baltimore,” Demrovsky said.

“And from there they can connect with the important trucking routes to service not just the whole country, but in particular the very busy eastern corridor. So it became a really strategically important area for moving a lot of units.”

FOX Business’ Michael Dorgan contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

42 min(s) ago

Baltimore bridge collapse: Ravens ‘grateful’ for first responders on scene amid ‘shocking’ incident

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson twirls a football pregame as the Ravens prepare to host the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. (Jerry Jackson/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday, sending rescue workers into a frenzy to find anyone who may have fallen into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River.

The Baltimore Ravens released a statement, sending out their condolences to anyone who was affected by the shocking collapse.

“Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the horrific Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse early this morning,” the team said in a statement posted to X.

“We are grateful for the first responders and local leaders who are on scene to lead the search and rescue efforts and to support those families who have been most directly impacted.

“We know that the Baltimore community will stand together in the aftermath of this tragic event.”

A livestream of the bridge appeared to show a cargo ship colliding with a support beam, causing the bridge to break apart and fall into the Patapsco River. Officials said several people were missing and multiple vehicles were on the bridge at the time it fell.

The water below the bridge is about 50 feet deep, and the water temperature was about 47 degrees during the pre-dawn collapse.

Fox News Digital’s Ryan Gaydos contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

59 min(s) ago

Civil engineer explains why Baltimore bridge so easily collapsed

The Francis Scott Key Bridge’s collapse was all but inevitable once a cargo ship rammed into one of the bridge’s main supports, according to one expert.

Shocking video shows the moment the bridge appears to snap and fall apart into the Patapsco River. Maryland officials have said there was no structural issues and that the bridge was fully up to code. 

“Part of the problem was this was a massive tanker ship. It was not only carrying a very heavy load, but it was also not just wide, it was tall as well. So it was almost the height of the bridge,” said Dr. Ron Harichandran, dean of the Tagliatela College of Engineering at University of New Haven. 

Harichandran, a civil engineer, told Fox News Digital the cargo ship destroyed one of the concrete piers that supported the bridge, sealing its fate.

“If it had not directly hit that and if it had hit between the piers, the bridge may not have completely collapsed because bridges are designed to have some redundancy. But if you hit one of its main support structures, then it’s very difficult for it to survive,” he explained. 

Modern designs have a sort of “bumper system” around the pier intended to absorb a potential impact, according to Harichandran.

“But again, you know, those can withstand limited amounts of impact, but it’s something so massive in terms of cargo vessel. Nothing could be designed to withstand something as large as that.” 

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

BREAKING NEWS1 hour(s) ago

Biden administration to release emergency funds for Baltimore bridge disaster

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told reporters he spoke to the Department of Transportation and that the Biden administration will commit emergency funding for the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster.

Van Hollen said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the department “will do everything they can to very quickly release emergency funds for this important project.”

“Our hearts go out to all those who are on the bridge and their loved ones. We pray for them. Our gratitude goes out to the first responders who, as we speak, are continuing to conduct search and rescue operations,” Van Hollen said. 

The National Highway Transportation Administration administrator will travel to Baltimore to oversee release of those funds, according to the senator. 

Additionally, the National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation into the bridge collapse.

Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers and its naval assets will assist with below the surface clearing of Baltimore Harbor, Van Hollen said. 

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

BREAKING NEWS2 hour(s) ago

Maryland officials: 8 workers on bridge during collapse; 2 rescued, search and rescue for 6 ongoing

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of the container ship Dali after the bridge collapsed, Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Top Maryland officials provided an update on the investigation and rescue efforts after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in Baltimore on Tuesday

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and state law enforcement and transportation officials spoke to reporters about the status of search and rescue efforts and the investigation after a cargo ship struck the bridge, causing it to plummet into Baltimore Harbor.

“Our response teams are doing everything in our power to rescue and recover the victims of this collapse,” Moore said. 

“The preliminary investigation points to an accident,” he said.

Eight workers contracted with the Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary to fix potholes on the bridge were working at the time of its collapse, according to DOT Secretary Paul Wiedefeld. Two of them were pulled from the water, one in critical condition who has been hospitalized. The other is not in the hospital. 

Six workers remain unaccounted for and are being searched for, Wiedefeld said.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

BREAKING NEWS2 hour(s) ago

Baltimore Mayor declares state of emergency in response to Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

The mayor’s declaration took effect at 9:00 a.m. ET and will unlock additional powers to respond to the crisis.

“Baltimore, I am officially declaring a local state of emergency in response to the collapse of our Key Bridge,” Scott said in a statement. “Our teams are mobilizing resources and working swiftly to address this crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”

Officials will soon deliver an update on search and rescue efforts in Baltimore Harbor.

A container ship struck one of the bridge’s supports in the early morning on Tuesday, causing the bridge to snap and plunge into the Patapsco River. Several vehicles and workers were on the bridge at the time of its collapse. 

The U.S. Coast Guard and several law enforcement agencies are participating in search and rescue operations. Two people were pulled from the water, one in critical condition, officials said. 

Fire Chief James Wallace said authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people” but said that number could change and other officials wouldn’t give figures. It was not clear if the two rescued were included in the seven cited by the fire chief.

The Associated Press contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

2 hour(s) ago

FEMA or Congress could be involved in aftermath of bridge collapse

Congress could be asked to approve emergency supplemental money to deal with the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster in Baltimore.

Let history be our guide. 

In 2007, the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota in collapsed under its own weight. The catastrophe killed 13 persons and hurt 145. President George W. Bush authorized a disaster declaration. That enabled FEMA to begin to cover the millions of dollars in cost incurred daily dealing with the aftermath of the bridge. 

A few days later, the President authorization an emergency declaration for Minnesota. That allowed the state to recover costs from the federal government and begin to remove debris from the scene. This is is kind of what FEMA does in the aftermath of a tornado or hurricane. So, based on the previous model, expect FEMA to play a major role in this. 

The late Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN) was chairman of the House Transportation at the Committee at the time. Although the bridge was not in Oberstar’s district, he was able to muscle through an emergency appropriation of $250 million to the state department of transportation to begin rebuilding the bridge.

The new I-35W bridge opened a little more than a year after the collapse.

Considering the amount of trade which funnels through the Port of Baltimore – to say nothing of traffic and commerce which moves across the Francis Scott Key Bridge as a major east coast artery – it is possible Congress could be called upon to provide funding to rebuild the bridge in record time. 

Fox has spoken with Congressional leaders and aides about the possibility of Congressional action. Granted, it is very early in the aftermath. Lawmakers are contemplating what they may need to do. But Fox is told the model could be how Congress responded to the I-35W bridge disaster 17 years ago

Posted by Chad Pergram Share

2 hour(s) ago

Maryland state lawmaker warns Baltimore bridge collapse will be ‘devastating’

Maryland state Senator Johnny Salling said the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse is a “devastating” blow to Baltimore County. 

Salling, a Republican whose district contains the bridge, told “Fox & Friends” the port of Baltimore depends on transportation that has been disrupted since by the collapse.

“We have truck, rail, barge and ship that come in here, constantly. And now the Patapsco River, as you see, is an asset to us and losing this bridge is going to be devastating to, not just the port, but the Delmarva area,” Salling said. 

Salling said this “catastrophic event” will “change the whole area of Baltimore.” 

He called on federal, state and local authorities to partner together to restore access to the port and prevent a similar incident in the future. 

“It breaks my heart. I think about all those that are affected and that will be affected by this. You think about the vehicles that were going across there, the workers that were working on there. The people that depend upon it, and you think about the families. My heart and my prayers go out to these families,” Salling said. 

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

3 hour(s) ago

Boxship that struck bridge in Baltimore previously reported collision in Antwerp

TOPSHOT – The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sit on top of a container ship after the bridge collapsed in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The massive container ship that smashed into a high-traffic bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, this morning has previously collided with infrastructure while docking, according to reports.

Container ship DALI collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning, collapsing a portion of the bridge and resulting in what authorities suspect is a mass casualty event.

According to previous reports, this is not the first time DALI has struck city infrastructure while transporting goods — a similar but far less serious incident was reported in 2016, according to contemporaneous reports.

DALI collided with a stone wall at a dock in Antwerp, Belgium, in the afternoon of July 11, 2016, according to a Maritime News report.

The container ship suffered damage and was docked for repairs, but no one was injured in the collision, according to The New York Times.

The Tuesday incident was far more deadly, according to officials coordinating disaster response.

Fox Business’ Timothy Nerozzi contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

3 hour(s) ago

Traffic rerouted from I-695 following Baltimore bridge collapse

Aerial map of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Inner Harbor and Interstate-695 locations. (Fox News)

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse caused major traffic disruptions and forced detours into and out of Baltimore Tuesday morning.

The bridge carried traffic along I-695 across the Patapsco River and outer Baltimore Harbor and at 1.6 miles was the second longest bridge in the Baltimore metropolitan area, after the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. 

The Maryland Transportation Authority said alternate routes to cross the harbor will be I-95 or I-895 tunnels. Vehicles transporting hazardous materials, like large quantities of propane, are prohibited in tunnels and should use the western section of I-695, the authority said. 

Residents were instructed to avoid the entire I-695 southeast corridor as rescue operations are underway at the bridge.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said all vessel traffic into and out of the port would be suspended until further notice, though the facility was still open to trucks.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and said he was working to get federal resources deployed. The FBI was on the scene, but Wiedefeld said terrorism was not suspected. President Biden was briefed.

The Associated Press contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

3 hour(s) ago

Virginia ‘stands ready to assist’ after Baltimore bridge collapse disaster, governor says

Glenn Youngkin, governor of Virginia, greets voters during a campaign stop at a polling location in Bristow, Virginia, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said his state “stands ready to assist and support our neighbor Maryland” after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed Tuesday morning.

“Our prayers are with the families affected and the courageous rescue efforts underway following the tragic incident at Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge,” Youngkin posted on X.

The bridge along I-695 collapsed into the Baltimore harbor early Tuesday morning after a “ship strike,” Maryland officials said. The cargo ship that hit the bridge appears to be the Dali, a Singapore-flagged container ship. 

The ship is managed by the Synergy Group, a Singapore-based company.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said he has declared a State of Emergency and has been in contact with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the Baltimore Fire Department and other officials following the tragedy.

“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,” Moore said.

He added, “We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety.”

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

4 hour(s) ago

Former Navy SEAL rescue diver says ‘not a lot of hope’ for Baltimore bridge collapse rescuers

Former Navy SEAL rescue diver Jake Zweig joined “Fox & Friends” Tuesday morning to discuss the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse as search and rescue operations are underway in Baltimore, Maryland.

Two people were rescued from the water, one in critical condition, according to officials. Zweig said the big question facing U.S. Coast Guard personnel and other first responders is whether anyone could survive for several hours after their cars plummeted into Baltimore Harbor. 

“I’m going to be honest with you, there’s not a lot of hope in my mind at this point. It’s a recovery operation,” Zweig said.

Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people” but said that number could change and other officials wouldn’t give figures. It was not clear if the two rescued were included in the seven cited by the fire chief.

Authorities said a crew of unknown size was working on the bridge at the time of the collapse and that sonar had detected cars in the water, which is about 50 feet deep. The water temperature was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit  before dawn Tuesday, according to a buoy that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Associated Press contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

4 hour(s) ago

Maryland Senate candidates react to Francis Scott Key Bridge tragedy

ANNAPOLIS, MD – NOVEMBER 10: Maryland Governor Larry Hogan speaks to media during a press conference after meeting with Governor-elect Wes Moore, at the Maryland State House, on November 10, 2022 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Graeme Sloan for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Candidates running for U.S. Senate in Maryland gave statements of support to first responders working at the scene of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore on Tuesday.

“We are heartbroken by the tragedy at the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan posted on X. “Yumi and I are praying for those missing and their loved ones, and ask all Marylanders to keep them in your thoughts.” 

“We are incredibly grateful for the first responders and rescue teams working to save lives,” added Hogan.

Rep. David Trone, D-Md., one of the two major Democrats running for their party’s Senate nomination in the May 14 primary, also issued a statement calling it a “devastating tragedy.” 

“Our hearts go out to those who were on the bridge at the time of collapse and their families,” Trone said. “We are grateful to the incredible emergency responders who are fighting valiantly to rescue survivors.”

“Baltimore is a city known for its resilience, and we must all now rally around Baltimore as the city begins to heal, rebuild and move forward,” Trone continued. 

“I’m grateful for Governor Moore’s leadership and will work closely with my colleagues in Congress and across Maryland to show up for Baltimore and our state in any way possible.”

Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

BREAKING NEWS4 hour(s) ago

Workers on bridge at time of collapse, Maryland DOT Secretary says

State contractors working for the Maryland Department of Transportation were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the time of its collapse, Maryland officials said Tuesday.

“We know there were individuals on the bridge at the time of the collapse working on the bridge, contractors for us,” said Paul Wiedefeld, secretary for the Maryland Department of Transportation. The workers were doing concrete duct repair, he said. 

The bridge collapsed into Baltimore Harbor early Tuesday morning after a cargo ship struck one of its support beams. Rescue and recovery operations are underway, with officials searching for “upwards of seven people,” according to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace. 

Two people have been pulled out of the water, one in critical condition, Wallace said earlier.

The U.S. Coast Guard is on the scene conducting rescue operations with several law enforcement agencies. 

“The Coast Guard’s primary mission right now is search and rescue, looking for any survivors in the water,” said Lt. Commander Erin Palmer. 

Palmer said the Coast Guard has three small boats and an 87-foot patrol boat, Mako, at the scene. There is also a helicopter from air station Atlantic City assisting federal, state and local partners on scene with search and rescue operations, Palmer said. 

A facility with mental health professionals has been set up for family members, Wiedefeld said. 

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

5 hour(s) ago

FBI Baltimore personnel on scene assisting with rescue efforts, no indication of terrorism

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of a container ship after it struck the bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024. The collapsed sent multiple vehicles and up to 20 people plunging into the harbor below. (ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

FBI Baltimore personnel are on the scene and assisting with first responders at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Tuesday.

The FBI investigated if there was any terrorism connection to the disaster, which there is not, Maryland Secretary of Transportation Paul Wiedefeld told reporters at a press conference.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in rescue operations for what officials have called a “mass casualty event” after a cargo ship struck a support beam under the bridge, causing it to collapse. There were multiple vehicles on the bridge.

“Never would you think that you would see, physically see, the Key Bridge tumble down like that. It looked like something out of an action movie,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said, calling it an “unthinkable tragedy.” 

Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace told reporters that two people were pulled from the bridge, one in serious condition. He said authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people,” but that number could change. 

Sonar has indicated that there are vehicles in the water, where the temperature was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit in the early hours of Tuesday, according to a buoy that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Earlier, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press that several vehicles were on the bridge at the time, including one the size of a tractor-trailer truck.

The Associated Press contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

BREAKING NEWS5 hour(s) ago

White House monitoring Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

A view of the destruction after a ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. (Reuters)

The White House is closely monitoring the collision of a shipping vessel with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore that caused the bridge to collapse, an official told Fox News Digital.

The White House official said there is no indication of any nefarious threat involved in the disaster. 

“Our hearts go out to the families of those who remain missing as a result of this horrific incident,” the official said.

The U.S. Coast Guard is assisting with search and rescue operations for those who remain unaccounted for in the disaster, according to the White House.

Senior White House officials are in touch with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott to offer any federal assistance they may need, the official said.

First responders have pulled two people out of the water so far, one in critical condition. Officials have described the collapse as a “mass casualty event” and rescue operations are continuing. 

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland is located about 50 miles north east of Washington, D.C., along I-695. 

Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

BREAKING NEWS5 hour(s) ago

Two people pulled from water, rescuers say in update on Baltimore bridge collapse disaster

First responders were able to pull two people from the water after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in Maryland Tuesday morning.

Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace told reporters one was in serious condition and the other was not seriously injured. 

Wallace said authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people” but he said that number could change.

The bridge collapsed after a cargo ship appeared to crash into one of the supports, according to a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The ship caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.

Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, described the disaster as a “dire emergency.” He told the Associated Press it was too early to say how many people were affected but called the collapse a “developing mass casualty event.” 

Wallace said there are multiple air assets, the Baltimore Police Department, and multiple marine assets responding to the scene to conduct rescue operations. 

“We are still very much in active search and rescue at this point,” Wallace said. 

The Associated Press contributed to this update.

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5 hour(s) ago

Rescue underway as cold water temperatures create hypothermia risk in Baltimore Harbor

The water temperature was in the low 40s Tuesday morning when the Francis Scott Key Bridge along I-695 in Maryland collapsed into the Baltimore Harbor after a cargo ship struck it. 

Rescue efforts remain underway for at least 20 people believed to be in the water, the Baltimore Fire Department told the Associated Press at around 3:00 a.m. ET. Officials have described the bridge collapse as a mass casualty event. There is no official death toll known at this time. 

A person exposed to cold water temperatures for a prolonged period of time risks suffering from hypothermia. When the water temperature is between 40-50 degrees, exhaustion or unconsciousness can happen within 30-60 minutes. The expected survival time for someone exposed to those conditions is between one to three hours. 

“Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people,” Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press. 

Fox News’ Janice Dean and the Associated Press contributed to this update.

Posted by Chris Pandolfo Share

6 hour(s) ago

Maryland governor declares State of Emergency after bridge collapse

AP

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said he has declared a State of Emergency and has been in contact with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the Baltimore Fire Department and other officials after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in the state when a ship collided into it Tuesday morning.

“My office is in close communication with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and the Baltimore Fire Department as emergency personnel are on the scene following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” Moore said in a statement.

“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,” he continued.

Moore added, “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,” he said.

Posted by Landon Mion Share

6 hour(s) ago

Ship that struck Francis Scott Key Bridge is a Singapore-flagged container ship

AP

The ship that hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, causing a collapse, appears to be the Dali, a Singapore-flagged container ship.

The ship is managed by the Synergy Group, a Singapore-based company.

Fox News’ Liz Friden contributed to this report.

Posted by Landon Mion Share

6 hour(s) ago

Secretary Buttigieg offers DOT support after collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he is offering support from the department after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed Tuesday morning due to a ship colliding with it.

Buttigieg said he spoke with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott about the incident.

“I’ve spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge,” he wrote on X. “Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response.”

Posted by Landon Mion Share

6 hour(s) ago

Maryland Transportation Authority announces lane closures, alternate routes after bridge collapse

The Maryland Transportation Authority said on social media that all lanes have been closed in both directions and that traffic is being detoured after the Key Bridge collapsed due to a “ship strike.”

MDTA said to avoid the I-695 southeast corridor and to instead Use I-95 or I-895.

It also said alternate routes for Harbor Crossings will be on I-95 or I-895 tunnels. Vehicles transporting hazardous materials, including propane of more than 10 pounds, are prohibited in tunnels and should use the western section of I-695 around tunnels.

Posted by Landon Mion Share

7 hour(s) ago

Baltimore mayor heads to bridge collapse as emergency personnel respond to scene

Baltimore mayor Brandon M. Scott said Tuesday morning he was headed to the Francis Scott Key Bridge along I-695 in Maryland after it collapsed into the Baltimore harbor.

The mayor said he has been in contact with Gov. Wes Moore and officials with the fire department and other agencies.

Officials have described this as a mass casualty event after a ship collided with the bridge.

Posted by Landon Mion Share

BREAKING NEWS7 hour(s) ago

Rescue underway after Baltimore bridge collapse sends cars plunging into river

The Francis Scott Key Bridge along I-695 in Maryland collapsed into the Baltimore harbor early Tuesday morning following a “ship strike,” Maryland transportation officials said.

A livestream of the bridge appeared to show a cargo ship colliding with a support beam, causing the bridge to break and fall into the Patapsco River. Multiple vehicles were on the bridge at the time.

Emergency crews were searching for at least seven people believed to be in the water, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press around 3 a.m. Officials have described this as a mass casualty event. There were no specific number of deceased.