Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses after ship struck it, sending vehicles into




The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, has collapsed after a large container boat collided with it early Tuesday morning.

Reports came in around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday that a large vessel crashed into a column in the central part of the bridge carrying north and southbound lanes of Interstate 695, catching on fire before causing multiple vehicles to fall into the Patapsco River below.

At least seven vehicles, including at least one tractor-trailer-sized vehicle, fell into the water, Baltimore City Fire spokesman Kevin Cartwright told WTOP.


The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority via YouTube)

Rescuers were searching for at least seven people in the water.

“This is a dire emergency,” Cartwright, told The Associated Press. “Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people.”

He added that some cargo appeared to be dangling from the bridge, which spans the Patapsco River, a vital artery that along with the Port of Baltimore is a hub for shipping on the East Coast. Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Petty officer Matthew West from the Coast Guard in Baltimore told WTOP that a container ship flying under a Singapore flag crashed into the bridge. The vessel, called “Dali,” was headed through Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, as its final destination, according to Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder maps and data.

The Maryland Transportation Authority posted on X around 2 a.m. that all lanes were closed in both directions for an “incident” on the bridge, and later posted that traffic was being detoured to Interstate 95 and Interstate 895, the department said.

Baltimore Mayor Brendon Scott posted that he was aware of the situation and would be en route to the bridge with other city and state leaders.

“Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway,” he said in a post on X.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Stay with WTOP for the latest.