Several people and vehicles are reported to have fallen into the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland, after a bridge was hit by a container ship.
Emergency services were called at around 1.30am local time in the Francis Scott Key Bridge area, the Baltimore City Fire Department has confirmed.
Director of Communications Chief Kevin Cartright said the bridge had been struck by ‘a large vessel’ which caused it to collapse into the river.
Footage has already begun circulating on social media, showing the moment the vessel hit the bridge.
The fire department are now leading a multi-agency rescue operation, along with the US coastguard and other Maryland agencies.
Several people and vehicles were initially thought to have fallen into the water, however authorities have since said there is a possibility that as many as 20 workers could be in the river following the incident.
Although the number of casualties are yet to be confirmed, the fire department has since described the scene as a ‘mass casualty event’.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M Scott has confirmed he’s aware of the incident and is on his way to the scene.
As per BBC News, he said: “I’m aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge… Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.”
