The incident has been declared a 'mass casualty' after the collapse of the Baltimore bridge, which occurred when it was struck by a container ship. This collision resulted in a dozen cars and workers being plunged into the water.
The incident has been declared a "mass casualty event" due to the potential for significant casualties.
It's believed at least a dozen cars and workers were hit into the water. According to the report, six construction workers remain unaccounted for.
'Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people,' Cartwright said. He said it's too early to know how many people were affected but called the collapse a 'developing mass casualty event.'
Cartwright added that precarious conditions caused by hanging debris are forcing emergency responders to proceed with caution.
On social media, circulating timelapse footage and separate CCTV recordings show the cargo ship emitting plumes of smoke, potentially indicating a power loss, leaving viewers shocked.
The timelapse video starts around 1:23 am, with the cargo ship becoming obscured a minute later. There's a brief flicker of recovery as some lights turn back on, but thick smoke quickly billows from the vessel.
Additionally, at approximately 1:26 am, the video depicts the ship losing power again. Just as the lights return, the vessel slams into the bridge, causing the entire structure to crumble.
According to the report, at least a dozen cars and 20 construction workers were on the bridge when it collapsed. The water temperature is a dangerous 47 degrees Fahrenheit, raising concerns about hypothermia for those who have fallen in.
One person said: OMG that is so sad. Praying for all the lost people.
A second wrote: Prayers for all the families impacted and the search and rescue teams trying to find the victims.
While a third commented: How scary! Prayers to all who went in the water!!!
Someone else said: That the bridge over the harbor on 695. Heavy traffic to the airport, etc.Hope they got it cleared.
Another added: The owners of that ship that hit the bridge should pay full costs involving removal of the downed bridge and the cost of rebuilding...not the taxpayers of the USA.
A cargo ship hit it. The Bridge had to be in bad shape. Someone said.
It's been confirmed that those aboard the ship issued a mayday call, potentially saving numerous lives.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated that the call was made shortly before the collision when the freighter lost power. According to the Washington Post, this crucial alert allowed police to halt incoming traffic on the bridge.
Governor Moore addressed the incident's impact on the community, stating, "The words that the Key Bridge are gone - it still shakes us because for 47 years, [the bridge] is all we've known." He described the situation as "unprecedented" and "heartbreaking."
Watching the video below:
