Search and rescue efforts ongoing after Maryland bridge collapse: What to know

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency after a cargo ship hit a bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday morning, causing it to partially collapse.

Several vehicles fell into the water, prompting a search and rescue for multiple individuals. Two people have been rescued thus far, one being in critical condition, The Associated Press reported.

The container ship, “Dali,” managed by Synergy Marine Group, hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge around 1:30 a.m. local time, ramming into its support and causing it to collapse. 

The ship hit one of the bridge’s supports and appeared to catch fire, with black smoke rising from the scene, according to a video from the scene posted by a local outlet on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The bridge is situated over the Patapsco River leading to the Port of Baltimore, a significant port on the East Coast. 

The ship was heading from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, per the AP. 

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld told reporters that work was being performed on the bridge at the time.

“We know there were individuals on the bridge at the time of the collapse, working on the bridge. Contractors for us,” he said at a press conference Tuesday. But he added that officials did not know how many vehicles were involved.

Moore said earlier Tuesday that his office remains in “close communication” with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and the city’s fire department. 

“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 posted Tuesday on X.

“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 added.

Fire Chief James Wallace said officials could be looking for up to seven people, the AP reported. It is unclear if the previous two rescued earlier are part of the seven mentioned.

“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,” Buttigieg said Tuesday. “Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response.” 

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said he was “thankful” for emergency responders being on the scene. “Horrific news this morning. Praying for those who were on the FSK bridge,” Cardin wrote Tuesday morning on X. “Thankful for @USCG @BaltimoreFire and all the first responders who are on the scene.”

The White House is also “closely monitoring” the situation after the Baltimore bridge collapsed, according to an official statement.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those who remain missing as a result of this horrific incident,” the statement reads. “The US Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue for those who remain unaccounted for as a result of the bridge collapse.”

The administration is “in touch with the governor and mayor to offer any federal assistance they need,” according to the statement, and there is no indication of “any nefarious intent.”