Baltimore, Mar 27: A cargo ship lost power and rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, destroying the span in a matter of seconds and plunging it into the river in a terrifying collapse that could disrupt a vital shipping port for months. Six people were missing.
A large section of the 1.6 mile-long Francis Scott Key Bridge fell into the water after it was struck by a container ship, known as the Dali, at around 1.30am local time (5.30am UK time).
The vessel struck one of the bridge’s supports, causing the whole structure to collapse, sending the road surface and steel beams crashing into the water.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into what happened, with its chair Jennifer Homendy saying at least six people are still missing.
Eight people were initially unaccounted for – with one described as being in a “very serious condition” in hospital. The other was not injured.
The six missing are believed to be part of a construction crew that was repairing potholes on the bridge, the Maryland Department of Transportation has said.
All 22 crew members on board the ship, including the two pilots, have been accounted for and there were no reports of injuries.