Six people are presumed dead federal officials in Baltimore after they fell into the river below the Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning, when a ship struck the bridge. Those presumed dead are construction workers, according to Baltimore City officials.
Around 1:30 a.m., a large cargo vessel named Dali collided with one of the bridge’s support columns, leading to the bridge collapsing into the water below.
Did anyone fall in the water during the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse?
Based on local sources, two individuals were promptly rescued from the river by first responders. As reported by Fox5DC, one of the rescued individuals was transported to Baltimore’s Shock Trauma Center, while the other declined medical assistance.
There were six individuals who were filling potholes on the bridge during the collapse and remain missing. In an update Tuesday evening, the U.S. Coast Guard authorities announced the transition from search and rescue efforts to a recovery phase for the six individuals who have been missing since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed.
“We do not believe that we are going to find any of these individuals still alive,” Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said.
The FBI, Coast Guard, and various Maryland agencies are collaborating to aid in the recovery. During a news briefing on Tuesday, Col. Roland L. Butler Jr., the secretary of Maryland State Police, mentioned that the conditions have shifted, posing a risk to first responders and divers working in the water near the collapsed Baltimore bridge.
Ship crew lost power and issued a mayday call moments before striking Francis Scott Key Bridge
As per Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, the ship’s crew lost power and sent out a distress signal just before colliding with the bridge. Governor Moore emphasized that the quick decision to issue a mayday call played a crucial role in saving numerous lives.
“These people are heroes,” Moore said. “They saved lives last night.” “We’re thankful that between the mayday and the collapse that we had officials who were able to begin to stop the flow of traffic so more cars were not on the bridge,” Moore said.
Following the collision with the bridge, the ship ignited, with video footage capturing thick black smoke rising into the sky.
CNN clears up body previously reported to have been found 
Earlier reports from CNN stated that Baltimore City Council Member Phylicia Porter told them a body was recovered from the river, but Porter later clarified that she misspoke.
