Leaders Online: A major accident has occurred in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The Francis Scott Bridge here has collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship. Chief Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore City Fire Department, confirmed the incident. The bridge was struck by a large cargo ship, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River. The Baltimore City Fire Department has given preliminary information that more than 20 people and vehicles fell into the river in this accident.
Rescue work is going on at the spot. Videos of the incident have been posted on social media, in which the bridge is seen collapsing. (Baltimore Bridge collapse) The Baltimore City Fire Department said the Baltimore Bridge collapse was a major disaster. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.
BBCAccording to reports, the Maryland Transportation Authority has confirmed that all traffic has been closed in both directions due to the incident on the Francis Scott Bridge in the city of Baltimore, USA. Firefighters were alerted to the crash near the Francis Scott Key Bridge by a 911 call at 1:30 a.m. local time (05:30 GMT). After that, rescue teams rushed to the spot.
About two and a half km long, this four-span bridge spans the Patapsco River. It serves as the outermost crossing of the Port of Baltimore and an essential link to Interstate 695 or the Baltimore Beltway. (Baltimore Bridge collapse)
The ship hit the bridge
According to ship tracking data, the ship that hit the Key Bridge in Baltimore, USA, is flying the flag of Singapore. The ship was 300 meters long and was bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka. According to marine radar data, the Dali ship left the terminal at Port Breeze at around 12.45 midnight local time (4:45 am GMT). They headed towards the Francis Scott Key Bridge. But after 45 minutes it settled at the bridge site.
Air traffic radar showed police helicopters hovering in the area.
Learn about the Francis Scott Key Bridge
The bridge was opened for traffic in 1977. The bridge was named after the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the ATA said on its website. Francis Scott Key sat by the bridge after watching the bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814. It is believed that this inspired him to write the US National Anthem. The Port of Baltimore handled more than 52 million tons of international cargo worth about $80 billion last year. According to the Maryland government website, the Port of Baltimore ranks ninth overall among ports in the United States.
Francis Scott Key bridge in US' Baltimore collapses after a ship collides with it, reports BNO News.
Details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2024
At least 10 people missing since Singaporean ship struck Baltimore bridge pic.twitter.com/EjrMucf2kd https://t.co/7N17wTNw3Y
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) March 26, 2024
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