Video Shows Moment Cargo Shipped Rammed Into Baltimore Key Bridge, Collapsing It

As rescue crews in Baltimore continue to scour the Patapsco River for survivors after the devastating early morning collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, investigators are working to figure out exactly why and how the bridge came down.

At around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, a Maersk-chartered ship known as Dali, owned and operated by Synergy Marine Group, crashed into one of the bridge’s pillars. Footage widely shared across social media shows black smoke pouring from the 948-foot cargo ship before it collides.

A few seconds later, the structure completely collapses into the water, breaking first at the support before coming down in the middle, sending rubble and cargo boxes tumbling into the water as the bridge comes apart.

DEVELOPING: Closeup view of a ship losing power twice in Baltimore before hitting the bridge. The Francis Scott Key Bridge carries Interstate 695, and there are reports of cars in the water and the Coast Guard searching for at least 7 survivors. WATCHpic.twitter.com/Yk9SueFB1x

— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) March 26, 2024

BREAKING: Ship collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse pic.twitter.com/OcOrSjOCRn

— BNO News (@BNONews) March 26, 2024

Rescue crews immediately descended on the scene, and by mid-morning had reportedly pulled two people from the water. According to the Associated Press, one official described the tragedy as a “developing mass casualty event.” James Wallace, Baltimore’s Fire Chief, reported to the outlet that searchers “may be looking for upwards of seven people.” Several reports claim there was also a 20-member construction crew working on the bridge when it collapsed, but it’s unclear if the exact number is accurate.

Ian Firth, a structural engineer and bridge designer, told The Washington Post that Tuesday that the bridge may have come down so swiftly due to its “lightweight” support structure. Firth also believes that the vessel protection devices surrounding the bridge were “not adequate” to deter a large vessel such as the Dali.

It’s unclear at this point what exactly occurred on the ship, but footage appears to show the Dali losing power and suddenly slowing down before it veers off course and hits the bridge. The New York Post reported that the ship’s crew sent a “mayday” reporting a loss of power just before the collision.

A solid quick breakdown of the apparent multiple power failures on the ‘Dali’ ahead of impact with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD.

I’m looking to credit whoever created this. (Dm) pic.twitter.com/NV1zSQHYkU

— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) March 26, 2024

Synergy reported that all 22 members of the Dali’s crew, including two pilots, were accounted for and that no injuries were reported on board. No Maersk crew or personnel were present on the Dali, which was set to arrive in Sri Lanka sometime next month. The boat is still in the harbor at this time.

Synergy has pledged its “full cooperation” with the investigation. Late Tuesday morning, officials indicated that the crash was “an accident” based on the evidence reviewed.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more information.

Daylight view of The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse is absolutely devastating pic.twitter.com/JGUPFsh7bj

— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) March 26, 2024