Baltimore bridge: Body pulled from water as search for missing continues
A container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the structure to collapse into the river below.
A body has been found in the water during the rescue and search mission following the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Baltimore City Council Member Phylicia Porter said on CNN: "We have received word that one body has been discovered."
Footage depicts rescue teams scouring the Patapsco River in the wake of the bridge's collapse, with submerged vehicles and absent workers marking the scene.
At least two survivors had been previously pulled from the water following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore which sparked a State of Emergency.
Earlier today, huge spans of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Bridge collapsed into the water after being hit by the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali.
One person rescued refused treatment while another was severely injured, police said.
Six people believed to be part of a construction crew that was fixing potholes on the bridge when it collapsed are still missing.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore said the shipping vessel lost power shortly before the crash occurred.
READ MORE: Baltimore bridge collapse videos show awful moment entire bridge fell in seconds
KEY EVENTS
- Aerial photo shows moment vessel strikes bridge sparking mayhem13:11
- Horrifying video shows the moment the Dali smashes into Baltimore bridge13:01
- Crew of crashed ship still onboard - fire chief12:41
- Person in 'very serious condition' after being pulled from water12:28
- Maryland Gov declares State of Emergency in response to 'tragic' incident12:09
- Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses in Baltimore07:56
'Highly trained pilot' tried to slow down after ship lost power
The pilot controlling the container ship that obilterated the Francis Scott Key Bridge is highly trained and tried to slow down when the vessel went off course.
Clay Diamond, executive director of the American Pilots’ Association, said officials from the Association of Maryland Pilots have explained how the crash happened.
It started with a loss of power, including to the engines, before the pilot ordered the rudder hard to port in an effort to stop it turning right.
Bridge collapse and port closure send companies scrambling to reroute cargo
The stunning collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge is diverting shipping and trucking around one of the busiest ports on America’s East Coast, creating delays and raising costs in the latest disruption to global supply chains.
After the container ship Dali hit the bridge and brought it down early Tuesday, ship traffic entering and leaving the Port of Baltimore was suspended indefinitely. That will require rerouting vessels or their cargo to other ports, potentially causing congestion and delays for importers, said Judah Levine, head of research for the global freight booking platform Freightos.
“Aside from the obvious tragedy, this incident will have significant and long-lasting impacts on the region,” American Trucking Associations spokesperson Jessica Gail said, calling Key Bridge and Baltimore’s port “critical components’’ of the nation’s infrastructure.
Gail noted that 1.3 million trucks cross the bridge every year — 3,600 a day. Trucks that carry hazardous materials will now have to make 30 miles of detours around Baltimore because they are prohibited from using the city’s tunnels, she said, adding to delays and increasing fuel costs.
Reporting by Associated Press.
Buttigieg thanks first responders and pays tribute to collapsed bridge
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says the path to rebuilding the collapsed Baltimore bridge won’t be easy or quick.
“This is no ordinary bridge. This is one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure,” he said at a news conference in Baltimore on Tuesday afternoon. “It has been part of the skyline for this region for longer than many of us have been alive.”
Buttigieg thanked first responders, including those still in the water as he spoke, and offered comfort to those “who woke up today to the news that no one wants to receive.”
One person involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse released from the hospital
One person involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse has been discharged from the hospital, an official with the medical center said.
Dr. David Efron, the chief of trauma at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center, did not comment on the nature or severity of the patient’s injuries. The hospital has not released the patient’s name.
Governor supports families of missing people 'every step of the way'
Maryland Governor Wes Moore now has said that he has been spending some of today with the families of the people who are still missing, and praying for them.
"We want to let them know that we are here with you every single step of the way," he said.
He added this is still an active search and rescue mission and thanked the rescue teams onsite.
NTSB focus is 'the people and 'families'
In a news conference with Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a reporter asked about the NTSB's priorities in addition to search and rescue, such as cleaning up debris.
Homendy said: "Right now, it's about people. It's about families and addressing the needs of those that were impacted. That's the focus.
"I don't think anybody in that room right now at the command post is thinking about what are the next steps to get things cleaned up."
Conditions for search 'not ideal at all'
Nick Mosby, the president of the Baltimore City Council, has provided an update on the ongoing situation.
According to Mosby, he received a call at 03:00 local time and upon viewing the video footage, he was left "completely in awe" by the severity of the situation.
He extended commendation to all the emergency responders tirelessly searching for the missing individuals, emphasizing that the "conditions are not ideal at all" on this cold and cloudy day in Baltimore.
Mosby praised the relentless efforts of those working "around the clock" to locate the six individuals who are still unaccounted for.
Biden announces he will spend 'all the federal resources necessary' to rebuild
In a press conference, Biden declared that he expects Congress to back his statement to pay for all expense to rebuild the Baltimore bridge.
"We’re going to spend all the federal resources necessary and rebuild that port together", the President said.
"We will move Heaven and Earth to rebuild the bridge and we will work hand-in-hand with Maryland to make sure they get the support they need. We will pay for all of it."
Search and rescue is top priority, Biden says
Biden said: "The search and rescue operation is our top priority" at the press conference today.
He also added he plans to go to Baltimore "as soon as possible."
"We’re going to spend all the federal resources necessary and rebuild that port together. As of now, rescue is our top priority.
"We will move heaven and earth to rebuild the bridge and we will work hand-in-hand with Maryland to make sure they get the support they need. We will pay for all of it.
"Our prayers are with everyone involved, especially the families waiting for news.
"We're incredibly grateful for rescuers who were first on the scene, and the people of Maryland. You’re Maryland tough, Baltimore strong.
"May god bless our first responders."
Minnesota governor offers resources and support to Maryland
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has extended resources and support to the people of Maryland in the wake of the "heart-wrenching" bridge collapse.
Expressing his sympathy, Walz stated that he was praying for the affected residents as they "grapple with this tragedy".
His offer of assistance holds particular significance due to Minnesota's own experience with a similar incident in 2007. Back then, the collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge over the Mississippi River resulted in the loss of 13 lives and left 145 individuals injured.
Dali crew notified authorities that they lost power
Speaking at the media update, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore confirmed that crew on the ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore notified authorities they had lost power on the ship.
No pollution was caused by the collision
The owner of the Dali ship, which collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, has stated that no pollution resulted from the incident. The Singapore-flagged container vessel struck one of the bridge's pillars, leading to a partial collapse early this morning. Grace Ocean Pte LTD, the vessel's owner, confirmed that all crew members, including the two pilots, have been located, with no reported injuries. Additionally, there have been no reports of pollution. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation.
Eight people were on bridge when it collapsed, Maryland transportation chief
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld says eight people were on the Key Bridge when the catastrophic collapse occurred.
Speaking to reporters at press conference, Wiedefeld said two of them are accounted for, one of whom is is in hospital, while the other is okay.
The search for the other six continues.
Bridge was fully up to code, Maryland governor says
The Francis Scott Key Bridge was "fully up to code" and had no structural issues, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has said.
The bridge collapsed sending multiple people plunging into the water after a shipping vessel collided into it early on Tuesday.
Investigation suggests bridge collapse was an accident, Maryland Governor
Maryland Governor Wes Moore said the preliminary investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse "points to an accident."
"We haven't seen any credible evidence of a terrorist attack," he told reporters at a media update on Tuesday.
Moore said he recognized "many of us are hurting right now" and that authorities are working to determine what happened.
Biden to speak at 4.30pm GMT
Joe Biden will speak at a news conference shortly to address the situation.
This comes as the president has ordered all federal resources to be made available to the bridge response efforts.
A few moments ago, he said on X he had convened senior members of his team for a briefing on the bridge collapse.
White House says it is 'closely monitoring' the situation
US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has said that the White House is "closely monitoring the tragic situation".
On X, he wrote that "Our thoughts are with the families of the missing and injured."
'Numerous' rescue and dive deployed to scene
"Numerous" water rescue and dive teams from across the county have been deployed to the ship crash site, Baltimore's fire department has said.
In an update this morning, fire chief James Wallace said that crews "may be looking for upwards of seven people", but warned that the number could change.
FAA imposes no-fly zone imposed over wreckage area
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a no-fly zone in the area of the collapse.
Aircraft are not to flying within a 2,000m altitude of the area, in a zone with a radius of around five nautical miles (5.75 miles).
The agency has also urged people not to "interfere with rescue operations" by flying drones in area.
Drone pilots: The FAA has flight restrictions in place around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Do not interfere with rescue operations. If you fly, emergency response operations cannot. https://t.co/AXVbkrrk82 #NoDroneZone pic.twitter.com/mRFTxw1r96
\u2014 The FAA \u2708\ufe0f (@FAANews) March 26, 2024
Biden briefed on rescue operation
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation in Maryland and the ongoing search and rescue efforts, The White House says.
"He will continue to receive updates from his team throughout the day," a spokesperson said.
The White House said stressed there is no indication of "nefarious intent" relating to the incident.
Crashed ship crew warned officials they had lost control - report
ABC reports the shipping vessel that crashed "lost propulsion" as it was leaving port and warned Maryland officials of a possible collision, citing an unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report.
"The vessel notified MD Department of Transportation (MDOT) that they had lost control of the vessel and an allision with the bridge was possible," the outlet quoted the agency report as saying.
"The vessel struck the bridge causing a complete collapse."
Singapore cooperating with US authorities
Singapore, the flag state of the Dali, has said it is cooperating with the US about the incident.
In a statement, the country's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said it will "provide full cooperation to the US Coast Guard in its investigations".
"MPA will also be investigating the incident."
22 crew members aboard the vessel when it crashed, the statement said.
'No indication' crash was intentional, police say
There is "absolutely no indication" that today's crash was intentional or terrorism-related, Baltimore police commissioner Richard Worley told reporters.
"Our criminal intel is working with the FBI and other federal and state agencies to get all the intel that we have."
He added that there is "absolutely no indication it was intentional."
Ship shown tangled in wreckage of the bridge following catastrophic crash
New photos show the horrific aftermath of the crash, after shipping vessel the Dali smashed into the Key Bridge in Baltimore.
As many as 20 people are feared to have plunged into the water after the bridge collapsed, as rescuers race to find survivors.
Aerial photo shows moment vessel strikes bridge sparking mayhem
An aerial photograph shows the moment shipping vessel the Dali struck the Key Bridge, triggering a State of Emergency.
The image, captured by @6NewsAU shows the vast vessel careening into one of the bridge's pillars.
A frantic search operation is underway, with as many as 20 people feared to be in the water as emergency responders scour the area.
#BREAKING Sun rises in Baltimore as the aftermath of the bridge collapse is revealed - search and rescue operation still underway. @6NewsAU pic.twitter.com/x2HWYEg8wQ
— Roman Mackinnon (@RomanMackinnon6) March 26, 2024
People urged to work remotely and stay away from area
Drivers have been urged use alternative routes of travel around the Key Bridge area as search operations continue.
Baltimore County Police Department warned residents to expect delays and "remain patient", while first reponders search for survivors.
"If possible, residents are being urged to work remotely," it said.
Horrifying video shows the moment the Dali smashes into Baltimore bridge
Footage shared widely on social media shows the moment the Dali collided with one of the bridge's supporting beams, causing the structure to collapse.
BREAKING: Ship collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse pic.twitter.com/OcOrSjOCRn
\u2014 BNO News (@BNONews) March 26, 2024
Our hearts go out to families of missing, White House says
The White House is "closely monitoring" the situation unfolding in Maryland and says its "hearts go out" to the families of those missing missing following the "horrific incident".
"The US Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue for those who remain unaccounted for as a result of the bridge collapse,” it said in a statement.
"Senior White House officials are in touch with the governor and mayor to offer any federal assistance they need. There is no indication of any nefarious intent."
Not yet clear if oil spill occurred, fire chief says
The fire department has not yet confirmed whether there is an active oil spill from the crashed ship, James Wallace says.
Speaking at the media update, Baltimore fire chief James Wallace said the local environmental department and coastguard are on site and will be looking into it.
He added that they will get a "much better picture" of what occured when the sun rises.
Baltimore mayor Brandon Wallace spoke of his disbelief that the bridge was gone, saying that the scene "looked like something out of an action movie".
Wallace paid tribute to first responders working at the scene, saying they are "risking their lives to save lives".
Crew of crashed ship still onboard - fire chief
The crew of the crashed ship are still onboard and are communicating with the coast guard, Baltimore Fire Chief says.
He also said a sonar has detected the "presence of vehicles" in the water.
James Wallace told reporters says the water rescue operation is being guided by "dive teams", and an incoming tide is making it a "challenging" situation.
"We're battling darkness. It's quite possible we may have somebody there that we've not seen yet."
He said experts would provide advice on when a "non-survivability point" has been reached.
Focus should be on search and rescue operation, mayor says
Speaking at the media update, Mayor Brandon Scott decribed the situation unfolding as an "unthinkable tragedy".
He offered prayers for all those affected and their families, as well as the first responders on the scene.
The mayor says the search for those in the water is ongoing.
Asked when the bridge would be fixed he insisted the focus hould be on "folks we have to try to find and save", he says.
Baltimore county executive Johnny Olszewski added that there is a "long road ahead", in terms of the fallout, as well as the search and rescue operation.
He offered thanks to first responders who have been "on scene since very early in the morning".
"The work they do cannot be understated," he added.
Person in 'very serious condition' after being pulled from water
One person caught in the bridge collapse was transferred to a local trauma centre and is in "very serious condition", the chief of Baltimore's fire department says.
James Wallace told reporters the first unit arrived on scene at 1.50am and reported the "complete collapse" of the Key Bridge.
"Multiple people" were reported to be on the bridge when it collapsed.
Two people were removed from the water, with one person refusing care, while the other was taken to the trauma centre, he said.
Rescuers are looking for "upwards of seven individuals", he said, but stressed that it is a "very large incident" with a "very large footprint".
"Information is subject to change as we get more intel," he said, adding that the search operation would continue throughout the day.
Wallace said the water is 'current influenced' making rescue conditions challenging.
"It's possible there are people in there we've not seen yet," he said.
FBI Baltimore on the scene assisting local officials, agency says
FBI Baltimore personnel are on scene at the Francis Scott Key Bridge and working side by side with our local, state and federal partners.
\u2014 FBI Baltimore (@FBIBaltimore) March 26, 2024
Update on search and rescue response to begin shortly, Maryland Gov
Maryland Governor Brandon M. Scott says authorities will provide an update on Key Bridge search-and-rescue operations at 6:15am.
We will share updates live here.
MEDIA ADVISORY: We will provide an update on Key Bridge search-and-rescue operations at 6:15am.
\u2014 Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) March 26, 2024
Media staging location at 3300 Fort Armistead Road Baltimore, MD 21226.
Maryland Gov declares State of Emergency in response to 'tragic' incident
Maryland Governor Brandon M. Scott says he 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 desperate rescue operations at the crash site continue.
"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 said in a statement shared by his press secretary Carter Elliott, IV on X, formerly Twitter.
"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," the statement added.
Statement from @GovWesMoore on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge:
\u2014 Carter Elliott, IV (@CarterElliottIV) March 26, 2024
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\u2026
Baltimore drivers should follow local guidance - Transport Sec Pete Buttigieg
Secretary for Transport Pete Buttigieg says he has "spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge."
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Buttigieg said rescue efforts "remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response."
I\u2019ve spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT\u2019s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response.
\u2014 Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) March 26, 2024
'Most likely' cause of crash was machine error, expert says
The "most likely" cause of the horror crash was a failure in the ship's machinery, a maritime safety expert has said.
Speaking to Sky News, David McFarlane, director of Maritime Risk and Safety Consultants Ltd, said: "The first thing that springs to my mind is: was there a sudden fault with the ship's engines or the steering gear?
"The other, of course, is: was there a navigational error?"
Mr McFarlane said a human error was less likely due to the number of people who would have been on duty, the outlet reports.
"There should be no room for one person errors because one of the other people should jump in and say 'hang on...'," he said.
"The most likely cause of this is a failure in machinery or steering gear, but we just won't know until the authorities have been on board.
"And even then, they're unlikely to say what's been going on for some considerable time."
Incident is a 'mass casualty event', Fire Dept. says
The incident unfolding in Baltimore is "developing mass casualty event", the comms chief of the city's fire department communications chief has said.
Kevin Cartwright said the focus is on "trying to rescue and recover" people thought to have fallen in the water.
He described the situation as a "dire emergency."
Current water temperature in Baltimore Harbour between 9-10C, NOAA says
The current water temperature in Baltimore Harbour is between 9-10C, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says.
Hypothermia can occur in any water temperature below 21C, The New York Times cites the national public health agency as saying.
As many as 20 workers thought to have fallen in water - Fire Dept.
As many as 20 workers are now thought to have plunged into the water, Baltimore fire department's communications chief told the BBC.
Kevin Cartwright previously said rescuers were searching for at least seven people in the Patapsco River.
Hazardous cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge, officials
Chief Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore City Fire Department says it appears there are "some cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge," creating unsafe and unstable conditions at the crash site.
Emergency service workers were operating cautiously as a result, he added.
All crew on crashed ship accounted for - vessel's management company confirms
All crew onboard the ship that crashed into the bridge have been accounted for, and no injuries are reported its management company has confirmed.
Synergy Marine Group confirmed the Singapore-flagged Dali vessel collided with one of the Key Bridge pillars while under the control of two pilots.
The exact cause of the incident was yet to be determined, the firm said, adding that the ship's individual incident response service has been mobilised.
Major traffic alert following catastrophic ship crash - Maryland Transport Authority
MTA has warned residents have been warned to, "AVOID I-695 southeast corridor. I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike."
It described the area as an "Active scene", advising driver to use I-95 or I-895.
MAJOR BALTIMORE TRAFFIC ALERT: AVOID I-695 southeast corridor. I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike. Active scene. Use I-95 or I-895. #baltraffic #mdtraffic
\u2014 MDTA (@TheMDTA) March 26, 2024
Ship believed to be responsible for bringing down bridge revealed
The ship believed to be responsible for bringing down a bridge in Baltimore has been revealed after shocking videos emerged of the structure collapsing into the river.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Singapore-flagged container ship the Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, data from MarineTraffic suggests.
At least seven people in need of rescue
At least seven people are in need of rescue in the Patapsco River following the horror collapse a reporter on the scene said, citing the Baltimore fire department.
This is as close as we media can get to what is left of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore
\u2014 Ken Duffy (@kenduffywbal) March 26, 2024
The span is said to be completely gone after a large container ship hit the span
Baltimore City Fire says at least 7 people are in need of rescue in the Patapsco River @wbalradio pic.twitter.com/W4D9S8vVEv
'Pray for those impacted' - Baltimore County executive
Baltimore County executive, Johnny Olszewski Jr, says rescue efforts are under way following the collapse.
"I am aware of the situation at the Key Bridge and remain in regular communication with my Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Operations," Olszewski Jr wrote on social media.
"Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted."
Catastrophic collapse a 'mass casualty event' - Fire Dept.
The Baltimore bridge collapse is a "mass casualty event", a Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson has confirmed.
The numbers of casualties have not been confirmed - we will provide the latest updates from the emergency services.
Multiple construction workers and civilians missing
Baltimore County Fire has said multiple people are missing following the horror bridge collapse this morning.
“20 construction workers, 3 civilian cars believed to be on bridge unaccounted for. Water search, ship list, fuel concerns, bridge power cut,” the service said.
Baltimore mayor 'aware' of the incident'
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M Scott took to X to confirm he was aware of the incident noting that emergency responders were on the scene.
I'm aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge. I have been in contact with @BaltimoreFire Chief Wallace, @GovWesMoore @JohnnyOJr, and @AACoExec. Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.
\u2014 Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) March 26, 2024
Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses in Baltimore
Good morning - a major bridge has collapsed in Baltimore, Maryland in the US with several unaccounted for.
I'm Mathew Dooley. My colleague Chris Samuel and I will be bringing you the latest updates. Please feel free to get in touch at chris.samuel@reachplc.com or matthew.dooley@reachplc.com.