Dramatic footage has captured the moment a massive bridge collapsed into the river after being struck by a cargo ship.
A 1.6 mile-long part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge fell into the river in Baltimore, Maryland, after it was hit by the ship. The collapse happened at around 1.30am local time (5.30am UK time) with around 20 people believed to have fallen into the Patapsco River.
Baltimore Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency. Two people have so far been recovered from the water - one who was uninjured and another who was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Initial reports suggest the vessel lost propulsion with crew warning officials they could hit the bridge.
It is the longest bridge in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Chief Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore City Fire Department has described the event as a “developing mass casualty event”. Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott has said he is on his way to the scene.
READ MORE:Baltimore bridge collapse LIVE: Francis Scott Key Bridge falls into river with people missing
There are no reports of casualties so far but emergency services believe a number of people went into the water when the bridge collapsed. Chief Cartwright has said up to 20 peoplecould be in the water. “We understand up to 20 individuals may be in the Patapsco River right now as well as multiple vehicles,” he told CNN.
Inital reports suggest the ship lost propulsion. ABC quoted the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency as saying: "The vessel notified MD Department of Transportation (MDOT) that they had lost control of the vessel and a collision with the bridge was possible.
A spokesperson for Baltimore Police Department told NBC News: "I can confirm at 1.35am, Baltimore City police were notified of a partial bridge collapse, with workers possibly in the water".
Fire crews have reported they are cutting electricity to the bridge. County Executive Johnny Olszewski said: "We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation at the Key Bridge.
Mr Cartwright said there are "some cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge," creating unsafe conditions for rescuers. He added: "This is a dire emergency."
"I remain in contact with our emergency response team as well as state and local partners, including Mayor Brandon M. Scott and County Executive Steuart Pittman. Response efforts are ongoing. Our prayers remain with all those impacted."
The container ship that hit the bridge has been identified as Singapore-flagged ship the Dali and was heading to to Colombo in Sri Lanka at the time of the collision.
Significant police, coast guard and private helicopter activity in the area around the bridge following the collapse. The ship caught fire, with thick, black smoke seen billowing out of it.
“Never would you think that you would see, physically see, the Key Bridge tumble down like that. It looked like something out of an action movie,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, calling it “an unthinkable tragedy.”
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