The collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge felt like an "earthquake" causing nearby buildings to vibrate, terrified witnesses have recalled.
Chaos unfolded early Tuesday morning when a cargo ship, the Dali, collided with the bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, leading to a section of the bridge collapsing and plunging people into the water below.
At least six individuals remain missing. The incident has prompted a frantic search and rescue operation in the surrounding waters.
Two people have been saved so far, believed to be part of a construction crew repairing the bridge. Sonar scans also reportedly indicated the presence of vehicles submerged inside the Patapsco River.
A man identified as John, who lives near the bridge, said he felt like his entire house was falling down during the crash which "sounded like a big bash of thunder." He told WJZ: "It felt like an earthquake - the whole house vibrated like my house was falling down. [I] never thought this would happen, [it's] unbelievable."
FBI opens criminal investigation into Baltimore Key Bridge collapse
READ MORE: Terrifying video shows Baltimore bridge collapse after cargo ship crash in 'mass casualty event'
A witness, identified as John, said the collapse sounded like a big bash of thunder and his whole house vibrated (WJZ-TV)
The collision caused a catastrophic collapse of a section of the bridge (Getty Images)He added: "I can’t believe there were people on that bridge when it went down, it’s crazy. I’ve been in this neighbourhood 57 years, I remember when they started building that bridge, and I can’t believe it’s gone. That scene, that bridge - it's just surreal. Unbelievable. It's hard to believe. My uncle, he helped build that bridge, when he first wrote it as part of Iron Workers, Local 16."
John, a commercial diver, empathised with crews recovering bodies in harsh conditions. "I've been in these waters, and I know what the divers are going through right now looking for bodies with no visibility, if any at all, going through the wreckage, much dirt up not being able to share things. So their job was very difficult," he said.
At least six people are missing (Getty Images)Moments before the crash, operators of the Dali cargo ship issued a distress call, reporting a loss of power. But despite the warning, the vessel continued towards the bridge at "a very, very rapid speed," according to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and struck one of its supports causing a catastrophic collapse. The destruction was followed by a fire engulfing the ship, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air.
Another witness, Nancy, said the scene was "like a warzone." "I didn't believe it, to tell you the truth. And I came downstairs and looked out, and it's flabbergasting," she said. "The helicopter pilot went out to the bay and he said look like a parking lot out there. The ships waiting to come in. Now, where are they going to go?"
The ship, named Dali, issued a distress call reporting a loss of power (EyePress News/REX/Shutterstock)
Despite warnings, the vessel continued toward the bridge at high speed (EyePress News/REX/Shutterstock)Another Baltimore resident, Michael Brown said his friend was trying to call him following the crash to tell him the news. Brown told Sky News: "I finally called him back when I woke up this morning, and he said, ‘Dude, it’s gone — a ship hit it and it’s gone’."
He added: "He said they thought it was an earthquake that hit so they ran out and checked it out. I live down the way and I thought, ‘This is like an April Fool’s joke right now,’ so I came down just to see and I can’t believe it."
The ship's collision led to a fire and thick, billowing black smoke (Getty Images)For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
Managed by Synergy Marine Group, the ship was under the guidance of one or more local pilots, and specialised navigators aiding in safe port navigation. During an inspection in June in Chile, a problem with the ship's propulsion and auxiliary machinery had been identified, though details remained scant.
The most recent inspection by the US Coast Guard in New York last September found no deficiencies, according to Equasis data. However, experts noted that the bridge lacked pier protection, rendering it vulnerable to such collisions.
State of emergency declared over bridge collapse amid 'mass casualty event'
Rescue efforts managed to save two people, but six remain missing (Getty Images)Kevin Cartwright, Baltimore Fire Department's communications director, described the collapse as a "developing mass casualty event." The ship's timely warning allowed authorities to restrict traffic on the bridge, mitigating potential further casualties.
President Joe Biden pledged federal support for the bridge's reconstruction during a statement on Tuesday. The incident underscored the risks associated with maritime transport infrastructure, with statistics revealing previous similar tragedies both in the U.S. and globally.
In response to the disaster, all ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore has been halted indefinitely, though land-based operations continue. The port, a vital hub for East Coast shipping, handles millions of tons of cargo annually.
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