Shocking footage shows moment Baltimore bridge falls apart after being hit by ship

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."

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which is known locally as the Key Bridge, is part of the I-95 interstate, running from Miami, Florida to Maine. All traffic is now being diverted through the city or harbor tunnel.

Taking to social media, Baltimore County executive Johnny Olszewski Jr confirmed rescue efforts are under way, while asking his followers to 'pray for those impacted'.

He wrote: "I am aware of the situation at the Key Bridge and remain in regular communication with my Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Operations.

"Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted."

According to ship tracking data, the vessel that collided with the bridge was the Singapore-flagged Dali container ship, which is 300 meters long and was on its way to Colombo in Sri Lanka.

The Dali is said to have departed from the terminal at Port Breeze at around 12.45am local time, before heading towards the Francis Scott Key Bridge, where it became stationary around 45 minutes later.

Police helicopters have been circulating the area of the incident ever since, according to air traffic radars.

LADbible Group has contacted the Baltimore City Fire Department and US Coast Guard for further updates.