A cargo ship collided with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning, leading to a partial collapse of the span and a suspension of vessel traffic at the Port of Baltimore.
Six construction workers are believed to have fallen into the Patapsco River below as the bridge collapsed.
Two victims have been recovered, but four are still missing and presumed dead, officials reported.
The incident occurred amidst expectations of heavy rain on Monday morning, compounding delays for commuters already affected by the bridge collapse, according to Mayor Brandon M.
Scott.
The National Weather Service forecasted winds up to 15 mph and a 92% chance of precipitation for Monday morning, potentially easing after 9 a.m.
In response, the Captain of the Port of Baltimore (COTP) is arranging a temporary alternate channel for essential vessel traffic.
The cleanup effort began with the removal of a 200-ton section of the bridge on Sunday.
However, significant debris, including the incapacitated container ship Dali, still obstructs the channel.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated that the timeline for reopening the channel remains uncertain.
Specialized demolition crews are preparing to cut sections of the collapsed bridge for removal, with salvage teams conducting underwater assessments.
The Unified Command, in collaboration with Baltimore Gas and Electric, is also working to secure an underwater pipeline near the site.
While the Port of Baltimore remains closed, Carnival cruise ships have been rerouted to Norfolk, Virginia. Plans for the cleanup and reconstruction efforts are underway, but Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the complexity of the operation, stating that safety is paramount.
In the aftermath, Gov.
Moore assured that recovery efforts would continue to support victims' families and the impacted community, promising to rebuild the bridge and restore economic activity in the region.