Baltimore fire department shares update as they work to rescue victims of bridge collapse

The Baltimore City Fire Department has shared an update on the rescue effort for people who fell into the Patapsco River as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed.

The 1.6 mile-long bridge collapsed at around 1:30am local time after it was hit by a cargo ship headed to Sri Lanka.

11Alive

Footage of the collision showed a large section of the bridge falling into the river, with vehicles following behind as the road gave way.

Baltimore's fire service initially reported that up to 20 people had fallen into the river, where temperatures are below freezing.

Kevin Cartwright, director of communications of the Baltimore City Fire Department, described the situation as a 'mass casualty multi agency incident' in a statement to CNN, adding that 'some cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge' were causing issue for responders operating at the scene.

Cartwright also admitted the freezing conditions, combined with limited visibility at the site, could 'pose a concern' for rescue crews attempting to save those in the water.

In an update approximately three hours after the bride collapsed, Cartwright said: "This happened at 01:30 a.m. with limited visibility so we are working aggressively, considering the environmental temperatures as well as the water temperatures to try and rescue and perhaps recover individuals."

Cartwright noted it felt 'at least about 30 degrees [Fahrenheit] (-1°C)' where he was standing, adding: "It could be slightly lower than that. And I'm sure that the water temperature is even colder... And that can pose a concern and risk for our divers."

To ensure the rescue teams are able to continue their work in the best way possible, Cartwright said the teams are working 'methodically and safely' to ensure 'everyone operating here on the scene is safe and that we're able to make progress without causing adverse harm to anyone else'.

11Alive

In the wake of the incident, Cartwright said there will be an investigation into the condition of the bridge which has 'been in place for quite some time and has served many, many commuters in the Baltimore metropolitan area'.

"So as the investigation ensues, there will be structural engineers involved to try and assess what the condition of the bridge is," Cartwright said.

He added that conditions are currently 'unsafe' at the site.

"This is a very devastating incident in which these individuals have encountered so our hearts go out to each and every one of them, and we will be working valiantly throughout the early morning to address this," he said.

As per the BBC, shipping company Synergy Marine Group said that nobody on board the vessel - called the Dali - was injured, and that all crew are present and accounted for.

It said: "Whilst the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the 'Dali' has now mobilised its Qualified Individual Incident response service."