KUALA LUMPUR – Rescue teams are looking for at least seven people after the 300m-long Singapore-flagged container ship named Dali rammed into the 2.6km Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, US today.
The steel bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River, sending cars and people plunging into the freezing waters below, with temperatures as low as 9 Celsius.
Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott said the collapse was “like something out of an action movie” and was an “unthinkable tragedy”.
BREAKING: Ship collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse pic.twitter.com/OcOrSjOCRn
— BNO News (@BNONews) March 26, 2024
So far all the crew members are accounted for and no injuries were reported.
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the incident, but the city’s police commissioner Richard Worley said there was no indication of terrorism.
Fire chief James Wallace said sonar detected vehicles in the water but he stopped short at saying how many were there.
One person has been taken to the hospital in a very serious condition, while a second individual was rescued from the river uninjured.
“We may be looking for upwards of seven individuals.”
Maryland governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency to speed up the release of federal aid.
Baltimore is home to one of the busiest ports in the US, handling around US$80 billion worth of cargo last year.
Shipping giant Maersk said the Dali was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and was operated by charter vessel company Synergy Group, and carrying cargo belonging to Maersk customers.
“We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected.
“We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed,” said Maersk in a statement.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it will be investigating the incident involving the Dali, which has an all-Indian crew of 22.
“MPA is in contact with the US Coast Guard and the ship’s management company to provide the necessary assistance.” – March 26, 2024