6 presumed dead after bridge collapse in Baltimore

• Bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland.
• 6 people are presumed dead.
• Traffic is in chaos.

On the morning of Tuesday, March 26, there was a catastrophic incident in Baltimore.

A cargo ship ran into a major bridge in the city.

Authorities are working to repair the damage and rescue survivors.

Before you continue reading, we invite you to listen to the new Tu Mundo Hoy podcast by clicking HERE.

Click on the image to listen to the podcast

Bridge collapse in Baltimore

EFE reported that Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, March 26.

This comes after a cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key bridge, causing it to collapse.

More than 30,000 vehicles pass over the bridge every day.

«The safety of our citizens is our top priority,» Maryland’s governor said after the incident.

State of emergency in Maryland

«I have declared a State of Emergency here in Maryland and we are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration,» he stated.

Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, said that the search for people missing after the collapse continues.

Likewise, he urged divers in the Baltimore area to follow the instructions of the rescue agencies, according to WGAL.

Buttigieg highlighted the importance of cooperation as they face this crisis.

What happened?

«It is crucial that we all work together to ensure the safety and well-being of those who have been affected by this tragic incident,» he said.

The bridge, more than two miles long, is part of the I-695 interstate highway, one of the most important routes between New York and Washington.

The collapse was said to have occurred after, around 01:30 local time (05:30 GMT), the cargo ship, Dali, collided with a pillar in the central segment of the bridge.

Baltimore authorities reduced the number of people missing after the collapse to six instead of seven.

Authorities respond to the crisis

Maryland traffic authorities have set up detours and alternative routes for vehicles and delays of more than an hour are expected after the collapse.

«All traffic lanes in both directions are closed due to an incident on the Key Bridge,» said a message from the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).

The Secretary of Transportation of the state of Maryland, Paul Wiedefeld, indicated in a press conference that two people have already been rescued.

The First Alert Traffic radio service indicated that delays of more than an hour were expected the morning after the bridge collapse.

Challenges of recovering from the bridge collapse in Baltimore

«The impact will not only be felt in local neighborhoods, but for all the people who normally do not even use the route,» they noted.

«If you normally travel through the tunnels you should be used to the typical congestion, but today you will see not only excessive delays but a deployment of security and rescue personnel,» the report added.

According to The Associated Press, the collapse dragged several vehicles into the Patapsco River where at least six people are presumed dead.

Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing as authorities assess the damage. To see a video of the bridge collapse in Baltimore click HERE. To see Wes Moore’s message click HERE.