The most recent news updates from our journalists in the United States delivered directly to your email every weekday.
Here is a summary of the most recent news stories from around the United States.
A state of “mass casualty” has been announced following the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore. Officials are currently searching for seven individuals who have fallen into the river.
A portion of Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a container ship on Tuesday morning.
The bridge, spanning 1.6 miles, supports Route 695 and ranks as the third longest unsupported roadway globally. It crosses the Patapsco River in the southeastern part of Baltimore City, a significant Atlantic Ocean coastal seaport.
.
Stay updated on this developing situation through our live blog. Click the link to access it.
A massive ship collided with the bridge at approximately 1:30am in the local time zone, resulting in several vehicles plunging into the water below. The vessel also ignited into flames.
According to ship tracking information, the vessel involved in the accident was the Dali, a container ship with a Singapore flag, located near Key Bridge. All crew members, including the two pilots, have been reported as being present.
According to Kevin Cartwright, the director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, a vessel was reported to have hit a column on a bridge while travelling outbound from Baltimore, resulting in the collapse of the bridge.
Several automobiles were present on the bridge at the moment, including one that was as large as a truck.
Mr. Cartwright announced that there is currently a mass casualty incident and the search is ongoing for seven individuals who are in the river.
He stated that it is too soon to determine the total number of individuals impacted, but labeled the incident as a “developing mass injury occurrence”.
.
The center of the Francis Scott Key Bridge gives way when struck by a cargo ship.
“I am currently on my way to the incident at the Key Bridge,” stated Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. “Emergency personnel have arrived at the scene and are working to address the situation.”
The Maryland Transportation Authority announced that both directions of I-695 Key Bridge will be closed due to an incident, and that traffic will be diverted.
In 1977, a bridge was constructed with an estimated price tag of $60.3 million. It was dedicated to Mr. Francis Scott Key, the author of the American national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. He was born in Maryland in 1779.
Source: independent.co.uk
