Mayor says rescue efforts are under way after vessel crashed into Francis Scott Key Bridge, sending vehicles into water

A portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has collapsed after a large boat collided with it early on Tuesday morning, sending multiple vehicles into the water.

At about 1.30am, a vessel crashed into the bridge, catching fire before sinking and causing multiple vehicles to fall into the water below, according to a video posted on X.

“All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured,” the Maryland Transportation Authority posted on X.

Matthew West, a petty officer first class for the coastguard in Baltimore, told the New York Times that the coastguard received a report of an impact at 1.27am ET. West said the Dali, a 948ft (29 metres) Singapore-flagged cargo ship, had hit the bridge, which is part of Interstate 695.

  • talEnglish
    71·
    8 months ago

    I wonder how quickly one can get a RORO ferry up and running? That bridge isn’t gonna be rebuilt any time soon.

    • derf82@lemmy.worldEnglish
      17·
      8 months ago

      Even the largest ferry can’t come close to matching the capacity of a 4 lane highway bridge.

      • talEnglish
        2·
        8 months ago

        No doubt. I don’t mean to suggest that it’d eliminate issues.

    • bitchkat@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      8 months ago

      Its not the same thing at all but they got the I-35W bridge rebuilt in 13 months after the bridge collapsed into the Mississippi. Its only 1/2 mile long and the river span is of course tiny – no supports required in water.