BALTIMORE, Md. (WRIC) — Officials spoke at 7 a.m. on Tuesday regarding the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
According to the Maryland Secretary of Transportation Paul Wiedefeld, a cargo ship leaving the Port of Baltimore crashed into the bridge at around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, causing a “catastrophic collapse of the bridge.”
The Associated Press said this caused it to snap in several places and fall into the river below. Several vehicles reportedly fell into the water, and rescuers are searching for at least seven people.
“We know there were individuals on the bridge at the time of the collapse, working on the bridge, contractors for us,” said Maryland Secretary of Transportation Paul Wiedefeld.
Wiedefeld said that there are no confirmed fatalities, and that a search and rescue mission remains active.
In the area where the crash occurred, Wiedefeld said the water was around 50 feet deep.
He also said the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is investigating the crash, and at this point in the investigation, there is no indication that the crash was an act of terrorism.
FBI Baltimore later released the following information on social media, “There is no specific and credible information to suggest any ties to terrorism at this time. The investigation is ongoing. FBI Baltimore will continue to support our partners at the local, state and federal levels.”
When asked if this event was unprecedented, Wiedefeld said nothing like this has ever happened before in Baltimore.
Wiedefeld added that in terms of traffic, drivers should avoid Interstate 695 Southeast corridor, and use Interstate 95 and 85 as alternatives. Traffic on I-695 in the area is being detoured.
Ship traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice, though the port is still open for truck transactions, according to Wiedefeld.
This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.
