(CMR) A massive search effort was underway Tuesday for six construction workers who were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore when it was struck by a large cargo vessel and collapsed.
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of impact, and they plunged into the Patapsco River. Multiple contractors were also on the bridge repairing potholes.
James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department, said the vessel leaving the Port of Baltimore struck the Key Bridge, causing it to collapse in seconds. Footage shows the cargo ship smash into one of the columns before the bridge snapped, hit the water and partially fell on the ship, where a burst of flames and smoke could be seen rising into the night sky.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore said the ship apparently lost power a few minutes before striking the bridge, and the crew issued a “mayday” call before it collided.
“This is an unthinkable tragedy,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at a news conference.
Divers have also been scouring the water searching for victims of the crash since the early hours of the morning.
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