BALTIMORE, MD—The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies in response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore on Tuesday morning.
At just before 1:30 a.m. on March 26, the Coast Guard received a report that a 948-foot Singapore-flagged containership collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Additionally, it was reported that the bridge collapsed and there were reports of persons in the water.
Response boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Curtis Bay and Annapolis have crews deployed to the incident for active search and rescue.
A Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and Coast Guard investigators and pollution responders are also being deployed to this incident.
There has been a 2000-yard safety zone issued for the surrounding waters. Mariners are urged to avoid the area.
Thus far, two people have been pulled from the water and several others remain missing. One individual refused medical treatment and the other has been transported to a local hospital.
Meanwhile, Governor Wes Moore has issued the following statement:
Governor Wes Moore released the following statement on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge:
“My office is in close communication with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and the Baltimore Fire Department as emergency personnel are on the scene following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
“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.
“We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety.
“We will remain in close contact with federal, state, and local entities that are carrying out rescue efforts as we continue to assess and respond to this tragedy.”
The I-695 Outer Loop has been closed at MD 10 (exit 2) and the Inner Loop has been closed at MD 157/Peninsula Exp (exit 43). Motorists should use I-95 or I-895 as alternate routes.
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials (including propane over 10 lbs.) are prohibited in tunnels and should use the western section of I-695 around tunnels.
Vehicles in excess of 13′ -6″ inches, in height, or 96″ (8 feet) in width are prohibited from using the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. The maximum allowed height at the I-95 Ft. McHenry Tunnel is 14’ – 6” and a width – 11’ – 0”, according to the MDTA.
“We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation at the Key Bridge,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Tuesday morning. “I remain in contact with our emergency response team as well as state and local partners, including (Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott) and (Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. Response efforts are ongoing. Our prayers remain with all those impacted.”
Photo via Baltimore County Fire Department
