America: 20 People Missing After Ship Collides with Bridge in Baltimore, Rescue Operation Underway

A Singapore ship collided with the local 'Francis Scott Key Bridge at 1:30 am local time in Baltimore, USA, resulting in a significant portion of the bridge collapsing.

Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson Kevin Cartwright reported massive casualties from the accident. Relief and rescue teams have mobilized to the scene, focusing on saving 20 people who fell into the Patapsco River.

No fatalities have been officially confirmed yet, although a Baltimore Fire Department spokesperson expressed concerns that "many people may die" in the aftermath. The incident occurred amid freezing temperatures of minus one degree Celsius.

Synergy Marine Group, the company operating the vessel 'Dali,' confirmed the safety of all crew members but noted that the exact cause of the collision remains unknown.

State of emergency declared

The collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning prompted Gov. Wes Moore to declare a state of emergency. A major search-and-rescue operation is underway, with the bridge closed and traffic redirected.

In a news conference shortly after the incident, Baltimore Fire Department Chief James Wallace stated that they are actively searching for people, with sonar detecting submerged vehicles. Mayor Brandon Scott described the scene as resembling "something out of an action movie."

Gov. Moore expressed gratitude for the rescue efforts and vowed to deploy federal resources swiftly. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the cargo ship Dali struck the bridge at around 1:20 am, with video footage showing black smoke emanating from the vessel.

Two pilots and 22 Indian crew members are safe

The cause of the incident is yet to be determined, according to a statement from Dali's owners and managers. Two pilots were aboard the ship and they, as well as all 22 Indian crew members, have “been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.”

Although the cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the ship's owners and managers confirmed the safety of all personnel aboard. While there have been no reports of pollution, authorities are investigating the presence of a diesel fuel odor.