Washington, 26 March 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The major Francis Scott Key bridge in the US city of Baltimore near Washington has collapsed after a ship crashed into it, the Maryland Department of Transportation and several US media outlets reported on Tuesday.

The Baltimore City Fire Department told the US broadcaster CBS News that "at least seven people" were in the river and dive and rescue teams were at the scene to locate the individuals.

Calls started coming into emergency services at around 1:30 am (0530 GMT), the report said.

It was unclear how many vehicles were on the bridge at that time, but fire officials said "there was surely a large tractor-trailer" on it.

Photo: X

BREAKING: Ship collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse pic.twitter.com/OcOrSjOCRn

— BNO News (@BNONews) March 26, 2024