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Baltimore bridge collapses after being struck by container ship confirmed as 'mass casualty event'

Tuesday, 26/03/2024, 18:15 (GMT+7)

The incident of the Baltimore bridge collapsing after being struck by a container ship has raised concerns, especially after confirmation that it has resulted in a mass casualty event.

Baltimore Bridge collapse declared a mass casualty event

According to the report, the tragic incident occurred as the Baltimore Bridge collapsed after being struck by a container ship.

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The Baltimore bridge collapse has been confirmed as a 'mass casualty event'. Image Credits: @YWNReporter/X

The consequence of the incident was reported as at least a dozen cars and 20 construction workers dropping into the water.

Tragically, the incident has been declared a "mass casualty event" by emergency services.  A large-scale rescue operation is underway, with reports of up to 20 people in the water.

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The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River. Image Credits: @YWNReporter/X

Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, called the situation 'a dire emergency.' 

Baltimore bridge collapses after being struck by container ship

According to the report, a large cargo ship struck the bridge at approximately 1:30 am local time, causing significant portions of the structure to crumble and fall into the Patapsco River.  

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When the ship crashed into the enormous steel structure, it caused the bridge to collapse. Image Credits: @YWNReporter/X

Video footage captured the horrific event, showing the vessel catching fire before sinking, with multiple vehicles plunging into the water.  

Additionally, it was claimed by the authorities that pedestrians were also affected by the collapse. 

After the incident, rescue efforts were initiated to assist people affected

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Emergency services are conducting a large-scale rescue operation. Image Credits: @YWNReporter/X

The consequence of the incident left a dozen cars and workers hit into the water. 

Around 3:00 am local time, Baltimore Fire Department communications director, Kevin Cartwright, emphasized the focus on rescue and recovery efforts.

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The collision of the cargo ship caused the bridge collapse, impacting pedestrians as well. Image Credits: @YWNReporter/X

However, the number of people affected remains unclear, Cartwright designated the incident as a "developing mass casualty event."

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott took to Twitter to express his thoug

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Video footage showing the ship catching fire and sinking was shared on social media, shocking several viewers. Image Credits: @YWNReporter/X

hts about the incident.

The post read: "I’m aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge. I have been in contact with [Fire] Chief Wallace, @GovWesMoore@JohnnyOJr, and @AACoExec. Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.”

 

The ship involved in the collision has been identified as the "Dali."  According to the website Marine Traffic, the Singaporean-flagged vessel was destined for Colombo Port in Sri Lanka.  It was listed with a length of approximately 983.9 feet and a width of around 158.1 feet.

Waytching the video: 

The moment when the Baltimore Bridge collapsed was captured and shared on social media. 

Footage showing the bridge, which sits 180 feet above the river, collapsing after being struck by a container ship quickly went viral on social media, leaving several viewers shocked.

One person said: I had to take that bridge overnight when I would take my nephew to work at Amazon it’s always scary AF. Praying for all of the people involved.

A second wrote: In Jesus name, please, let’s all pray for those that were impacted by this collapse!!

While a third commented: How could anyone survive a fall that high while Ina car? They would slam back into that bridge as it hits the water. That’s a pretty far fall

Someone else said: How in the HECK did they manage to do this! This is what nightmares are made of. Those poor people on the cars

Another added: Heartbreaking, I can't even begin to imagine! this is what nightmares are made of. hoping these people are found. 

Watching the video: