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The Francis Scott Key Bridge after its collapse. (Harford County, Md., Fire and EMS/Reuters)

Live updates Rescuers search for people in the water after Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapses

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A major bridge in Baltimore collapsed after being hit by a freighter early Tuesday. Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said multiple people were likely on Francis Scott Key Bridge when it collapsed and that vehicles have been detected in the water after a large part of the structure snapped and fell into the Patapsco River.

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The fire chief said emergency personnel removed two people from the water, one of them not injured and another in very serious condition. Wallace said they were looking for upward of seven people and that rescue efforts would continue for hours.
Wind, frigid temperatures and murky waters made rescue conditions difficult, said Kevin Cartwright, the fire department’s communications director. He told The Washington Post earlier that up to 20 people could be in the water. The Baltimore City Fire Department described it as a “mass casualty incident.”
A Singapore-flagged vessel, the 948-foot Dali, crashed into the Key Bridge about 1:30 a.m. Eastern time, Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew West said in Baltimore. Coast Guard assets were on their way to the scene, he said.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) declared a state of emergency in Maryland and said he was working with federal agencies to deploy resources for the response. Federal Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offered the department’s support to Baltimore authorities.
The Maryland Transportation Authority closed Interstate 695 in both directions. Motorists were advised to use I-95 or I-895.
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The fire chief said emergency personnel removed two people from the water, one of them not injured and another in very serious condition. Wallace said they were looking for upward of seven people and that rescue efforts would continue for hours.
Wind, frigid temperatures and murky waters made rescue conditions difficult, said Kevin Cartwright, the fire department’s communications director. He told The Washington Post earlier that up to 20 people could be in the water. The Baltimore City Fire Department described it as a “mass casualty incident.”
A Singapore-flagged vessel, the 948-foot Dali, crashed into the Key Bridge about 1:30 a.m. Eastern time, Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew West said in Baltimore. Coast Guard assets were on their way to the scene, he said.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) declared a state of emergency in Maryland and said he was working with federal agencies to deploy resources for the response. Federal Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offered the department’s support to Baltimore authorities.
The Maryland Transportation Authority closed Interstate 695 in both directions. Motorists were advised to use I-95 or I-895.
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