Boats move near a container ship as it rests against wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. (Associated Press via Canadian Press))

By Associated Press, Eli J. Ridder

UPDATED

Baltimore bridge collapses after cargo ship loses power, six presumed dead

Mar 26, 2024 | 4:50 PM

A container ship early Tuesday morning lost power and rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore, causing the span to buckle into the river below.

The collapse plunged a construction crew into the dangerously cold waters.

Rescuers pulled out two people, but six others were missing and presumed dead.

The ship’s crew issued a mayday call moments before the crash took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

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The Maryland governor said the mayday enabled authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the span.

The ship struck one of the bridge’s supports, causing the structure to collapse like a toy. It tumbled into the water in a matter of seconds.

READ MORE: Canadian bridges are safe, officials say

The stunning collapse of the bridge is diverting shipping and trucking around one of the busiest ports on America’s east coast.

After the container ship Dali hit the bridge and brought it down early Tuesday, ship traffic entering and leaving the Port of Baltimore was suspended indefinitely.

Analysts say that will force vessels or their cargo to be rerouted to other ports, potentially creating delays for importers and raising costs.

Trucks that carry hazardous materials also will have to make 30 miles of detours around Baltimore because they are prohibited from using the city’s tunnels, adding to delays and pushing up fuel costs.