Major bridge in Baltimore collapses after being struck by ship

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge partially collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday morning following a ship collision, local authorities said.

The bridge carries Route 695 across the Patapsco River, southeast of the Baltimore metropolitan area.

The incident took place at 1:35 a.m. local time on Tuesday, and workers may have fallen into the water, according to a Baltimore City police spokesperson.

A large container ship hit the bridge overnight, and there appeared to be personnel on the crossing at the time of the incident, Baltimore Fire Department Battalion Chief Glenn Kukucka told CNBC by phone. He added that the vessel involved in the collision appeared to have sustained damage.

“The Coast Guard received a report at 1:27a ET that a motor vessel made impact with the bridge,” U.S. Coast Guard Spokesperson Matthew West told NBC News. “USCG confirms the ship is the 948-ft DALI vessel. USCG has deployed three response boats, and pollution responders are en route from the Sector Maryland-National Capital Region.”

Shipping data indicates that the Singapore-flagged container vessel is under the management of Synergy Marine Group, which did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment. Marine traffic data suggests the ship was bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

“I’m aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge. I have been in contact with @BaltimoreFire Chief Wallace, @GovWesMoore @JohnnyOJr, and @AACoExec. Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott on social media.

The U.S. Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that the Francis Scott Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River.