Cargo Ship Destroys Key Bridge in Baltimore

Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore HarborPhoto byWickipedia

A container ship smashed into a bridge support of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Port of Baltimore at about 1:30 a.m., causing the bridge to break apart in just seconds. Several vehicles went into the 50 foot deep water, and authorities are searching for at least 7 people in the 47 degree water.

Container shipPhoto byIan TayloronUnsplash

The incident occurred before the morning commute hours so casualties could have been even worse.

Both ship traffic to the harbor and commuter traffic in busy Baltimore are expected to be disrupted for months or even years. The bridge, which was built in 1977, spans the Patapsco River at the entrance to a the harbor. Port traffic is closed.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said all vessel traffic into and out of the port would be suspended until further notice, though the facility was still open to trucks.