Bridge in Maryland collapses after being struck by containership; at least seven missing

US federal agencies as well as state and local agencies in Maryland have been deployed in response to an incident wherein a bridge collapsed after it was struck by a passing commercial vessel.

The incident occurred at around 01:30 local time on Tuesday, March 26, when the Singapore-registered container vessel Dali struck one of the support pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the 8,600-foot (2,620-metre) structure to collapse and sending people and vehicles into the Patapsco River.

The US Coast Guard is coordinating with other agencies in response to the incident. Response boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Curtis Bay and Annapolis have been despatched to the incident site for active search and rescue (SAR).

A Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and coast guard investigators and pollution responders have also been despatched.

An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast has been issued regarding the incident and there has been a 2,000-yard (1,828-metre) safety zone issued for the surrounding waters. Mariners are urged to avoid the area.

Local firefighting officials confirmed that two people have been rescued while at least seven others are still missing.

One of the rescued survivors is reportedly in critical condition and has since been transported to a local hospital.

The SAR effort will make use of sonar and unmanned vehicles to attempt to locate the missing individuals.

Maryland transportation officials said those who went into the water when the bridge collapsed include occupants of vehicles and contractors who have been tasked with repairing the bridge’s concrete deck.