Baltimore: Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses After Ship Collision

The Baltimore Bridge came crashing down after a cargo ship hit it. With it came crashing down a symbol of American history.

The bridge collapsed on Tuesday morning after being hit by a large container ship. The Baltimore City Fire Department described the collapse as a mass-casualty incident.

According to Maryland Transportation Authority, all traffic is being detoured. As per reports, up to 20 people are feared to be in the water after the bridge collapsed into the river.

Built in 1977, the bridge in Baltimore is officially called the Francis Scott Key Bridge. It is named after the author of the American national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

According to the website of the Maryland Transport Authority, it was near the site on which the bridge was to come up later that Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombing of Fort McHenry in 1814.

The 1.6-mile, 4-lane bridge extends over the Patapsco River. It serves as the outermost crossing of the Baltimore harbor and an essential link of Interstate-695, or the Baltimore Beltway.