Note image: In the latest developments, six individuals are still unaccounted for in the aftermath of the bridge collapse. Reports indicate that a total of eight people plunged into the water, all presumed to be construction workers. Two have been successfully retrieved from the water, but one is reportedly in critical condition.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland has suffered a collapse following a collision with a large containership, prompting rescuers to search for at least seven individuals in the water.

According to The Guardian, the incident transpired during the early hours of 26 March around 1:30 am ET local time, as the vessel struck the bridge, subsequently catching fire and sinking.

Baltimore authorities were alerted to the situation at 1:35 am ET local time, as per Reuters.

Kevin Cartwright, the Director of Communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, described the scene, noting hazardous conditions due to "some cargo or retainers" hanging from the bridge. He emphasized the dire nature of the emergency, complicating the rescue efforts.

The ship, registered to Grace Ocean Pte Ltd as per LSEG data, is reportedly associated with the Danish company A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk), according to some sources.

Reuters reported uncertainty regarding the impact of the incident on port operations.

In 2023, as reported by the Maryland State Archives, the Port of Baltimore saw a groundbreaking surge in its foreign cargo operations, managing a staggering 52.3 million tonnes valued at $80.8 billion. 

Concurrently, within the same period, the port also experienced a notable uptick, handling a record 1.3 million tonnes of imported Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargo.

In February, tragedy struck in the southern Chinese industrial hub of Guangzhou as a section of a bridge collapsed following a collision with a barge, resulting in the loss of five lives. 

Meanwhile, marking a significant achievement, the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore has once again secured the highest rating in a security assessment conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, maintaining its streak for the 15th consecutive year.