Two people have so far been rescued from the waters of the Patapsco River in Baltimoreafter the bridge collapsed around 1.30am.

According to Baltimore Fire Chief, one of the two was taken to hospital in “very serious situation” after rescuing him from the waters.

The second refused first aid, as he was not injured.

Rescue teams are searching “more than seven people»said Baltimore Fire Chief.

He added that it was a “very big event with very big footprint”.

“Information is subject to change as we have more information” the fire chief said, adding that the operation would continue throughout the day.

All sailors are in good health and still on board.

He also said that the sonar detected the presence of vehicles in the waterhowever the search becomes more difficult due to the tidal effect.

“We fight in the dark. It’s very possible that we have someone there that we haven’t seen yet.” said the Fire Chief.

White House: Our hearts close to the families

The White House is closely monitoring the situation and in everyone’s hearts are the families of the missing after this horrifying event, says a statement issued.

“The US Coast Guard is conducting a search and rescue operation for the missing persons” the announcement added, as top White House officials are reaching out to the governor and mayor to offer help at the federal level.