US: Authorities continue to respond to Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland, as of March 26 /update 2

Emergency crews continue to respond to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland, as of March 26. The collapse occurred after a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel, the Dali, en route to Sri Lanka crashed into the bridge at approximately 01:30. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but officials stated there is no indication that the crash was intentional. The ship has sustained some damage. As of 10:00, the vessel remains afloat near the site.

Officials indicated that rescue attempts continue for at least seven people in the water. Two people have been rescued, one of them in serious condition. Several vehicles likely fell into the Patapsco River after the initial collapse, and a construction crew was fixing potholes on parts of the bridge. The Baltimore City Fire Department has described the incident as a 'mass casualty event.' The bridge forms part of the Interstate 695 (I-695) highway. The Maryland Transportation Authority has warned motorists to avoid the I-695 southeast corridor. It has also stated that both lanes of the highway are closed between Glen Burnie and Dundalk, and detours are in place.

Authorities have also said that vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore has been suspended until further notice but indicated the port remains open for truck transactions.

As emergency operations continue, heightened security and localized business and transport disruptions are almost certain in the surrounding areas. Officials are likely to provide regular updates in the coming days.