Authorities are searching for at least seven people in a river after a bridge in the USA collapsed – World

The bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, measuring approximately 2.57 kilometers, collapsed in the early hours of this Tuesday, after a cargo ship collided with it, according to news reports. BBC News.

Baltimore police were notified of a partial bridge collapse around 1:30 a.m. There are no reports of casualties, but seven people and several vehicles are said to have entered the water.

“All lanes are closed in both directions due to an incident on the I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being diverted,” the Maryland Transportation Authority said.

A rescue operation led by firefighters in collaboration with the US Coast Guard is currently underway. Chief Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, says the bridge was struck by “a large vessel,” causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River.

According to the same source, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott says he is aware of the incident on the Francis Scott Key Bridge and is in contact with local authorities.

“I am aware of and en route to the incident on the bridge. Emergency personnel are on scene and efforts are ongoing.”