Urgent: Baltimore Bridge Collapse, Live Updates on Search and Rescue

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – A catastrophic incident has shaken Baltimore to its core as the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital artery of the city’s transportation network, collapsed into the Patapsco River after a massive cargo ship collided with its support structure. The incident occurred in the early hours of March 26th, 2024.

Eyewitness reports and harrowing footage shared on social media depict a scene of utter chaos. The cargo ship appears to have struck a support beam of the bridge, causing a significant portion of the structure to crumble into the water. Vehicles that were on the bridge at the time of the impact are believed to have been swept into the river.

Emergency services, including the Coast Guard and local first responders, are currently engaged in a frantic search and rescue operation. The number of casualties remains unknown, but fears are high that there may be significant loss of life.

The Maryland Transportation Authority has confirmed the incident and announced that all lanes on the Francis Scott Key Bridge are closed in both directions. Traffic is being rerouted, causing major disruptions across the Baltimore region.

The cause of the ship collision is under investigation. Officials are examining possible factors such as mechanical failure, navigational error, or adverse weather conditions.

This devastating bridge collapse has plunged Baltimore into a state of shock and mourning. The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a major landmark and a source of pride for the city. Its loss will have far-reaching consequences for the entire region.

Maryland Bridge Disaster – Live Updates

• [Latest Update – 5:50 PM EST]: Authorities confirm the recovery of several bodies from the Patapsco River. An official count of casualties is expected to be released shortly.
• [5:25 PM EST]: The cargo ship involved in the collision has been identified as the MV Evergreen Star, flagged in Panama.
• [5:10 PM EST]: Maryland officials confirm a temporary morgue has been set up to manage the potential influx of victims.
• [4:52 PM EST]: Families of potential victims begin arriving at a designated crisis center set up by authorities.
• [4:40 PM EST]: Baltimore Mayor holds a press conference, urging the public to avoid the area and allow rescue operations to proceed unimpeded.
• [4:28 PM EST]: Investigators report finding the ship’s “black box” data recorder, which could provide crucial information about the cause of the collision.
• [4:03 PM EST]: Wreckage of several vehicles pulled from the water. The search continues for additional survivors or victims.
• [3:35 PM EST]: Structural engineers arrive at the scene to assess damage and determine the stability of the remaining portions of the bridge.
• [3:00 PM EST]: The Governor of Maryland releases a statement expressing condolences to families impacted and vowing a full investigation.
• [2:42 PM EST]: The Coast Guard establishes a safety perimeter around the collapse site, restricting civilian boat traffic.
• [2:10 PM EST]: Local hospitals report receiving multiple injured individuals, some in critical condition.
• [1:45 PM EST]: Identities of those involved in the accident are beginning to be released.
• [1:05 PM EST]: Eyewitness reports describe hearing a loud crash followed by screams as the bridge collapsed.
• [12:30 PM EST]: Drone footage reveals the extent of the bridge collapse, with a large section completely submerged.
• [12:00 PM EST]: NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) investigators were dispatched to the scene.

Background

At approximately 3:27 AM EST, a massive cargo ship collided with a support pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. A significant portion of the bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River, taking vehicles and potentially individuals with it.

Emergency response teams continue a desperate search and rescue operation. The exact number of casualties remains unknown.

This is a developing story. Please check back for further updates.