A bridge in Baltimore has collapsed after a ship crashed into it, causing significant damage, according to reports on social media, which have also been cited by the media.

The incident occurred around 1:30 am (local time). The impact caused a fire and then a large part of the bridge Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed.

Vehicles have fallen into the water.

According to the Associated Press, rescue crews are trying to save at least seven people.

The ship that crashed into the bridge is called Deli, it has a Singaporean flag and it was carrying containers.

Fireboat operator Andrew Doyle posted on X: “Container ship hit Key Bridge in Baltimore. Part of the bridge has collapsed. Several fire and police boats are on their way.”

Official sources have not yet confirmed the collapse, but the US Coast Guard has confirmed that a container ship struck the bridge. First responders are believed to be preparing for a mass casualty incident.

Traffic on the bridge, which is part of Interstate 695, was closed in all directions.

What is the bridge?

The Francis Scott Key Bridge is a massive steel structure that spans Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River, southeast of the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Built in 1977 and referred to locally as the Key Bridge, it was later named after the author of the US national anthem.

The bridge is over 19 km long in total.