US: Baltimore bridge collapses after cargo ship, losing power, rams into it; 6 people missing

Two people were pulled out by the rescuers. However, six others are missing.

The ship’s crew issued a mayday call moments before the crash took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge, enabling authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the span, AP quoted Maryland’s governor as saying.

The ship struck one of the bridge’s supports, causing the structure to collapse like a toy.

The collapsed bridge tumbled into the water in a matter of seconds making a shocking spectacle.

The moment captured through a video went viral on social media.

The vessel then caught fire with black smoke billowing out of it.

With the ship barreling toward the bridge at “a very, very rapid speed,” authorities had just enough time to stop cars from coming over the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said.

US President Joe  Biden praised the people who blocked traffic and “undoubtedly saved lives."

He said that the Coast Guard would continue search-and-rescue efforts and that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would clear the channel to help reopen Baltimore to ship traffic.

“We’re going to rebuild that port together,” Biden said.