A major bridge has collapsed in Baltimore in the US state of Maryland, after it was hit by a cargo ship.
Footage shows a large section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge falling into the water along with a number of vehicles.
A cargo vessel appears to have collided with one of the supports early this morning, causing the structure to break apart.
Up to 20 people have reportedly fallen into the Patapsco River following the crash, and the vessel caught fire and sank.
Baltimore Bridge is 1.6 miles long,
this is the moment it collapsed after a cargo ship struck it in the early hours of this morning
pic.twitter.com/eA6womQlcI— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) March 26, 2024
The city's mayor says emergency personnel are on the scene and rescue efforts are underway, describing it as a 'developing mass casualty event'.
Local station WBAL-TV has its news helicopter over the scene - its Captain, Roy Taylor, says the roadway across the bridge is completely destroyed.
"As far as any pieces or any portion of the roadway, there is none.
"It's underwater, and we can't see any remnants of any vehicles.
"I do know they do have divers in the water conducting searches and trying to do rescue operations".
