Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River early on Tuesday morning, after a container ship slammed into one of the bridge’s supports, causing the bridge to buckle and collapse. The collision, and the bridge’s collapse, was caught on video:

It is not yet known how many people were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, which occurred before the city’s early morning rush hour. The Baltimore Fire Department told the Associated Press that “several vehicles” were on the bridge at the time.

As of 8 a.m. local time on Tuesday morning, authorities had rescued at least two people from the water, and a full search-and-rescue mission was well underway. Speaking on Tuesday morning, Fire Chief James Wallace said that “upwards of seven people” could still be in the water and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott called the incident an “unthinkable tragedy.”

All traffic in and out of the port is suspended until further notice and travelers are being told to avoid the area entirely. Those trying to access Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) should do so via 95, the airport said on Tuesday morning. All those traveling via car should avoid the eastern side of the I-695 Baltimore Beltway.

There is no word yet on how the bridge’s collapse will impact cruises from the Maryland Cruise Port in Baltimore.

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas left from the port on March 23 for a 12-night Southern Caribbean sailing. The ship is again scheduled to depart for an 8-night Southeast Coast & Bahamas from Baltimore on April 4. 

Carnival Legend left the port for a 7-Day Bahamas sailing on March 24. It is scheduled to be at the port for a 7-Day Eastern Caribbean sailing that departs on March 31.