A major bridge in the US city of Baltimore has collapsed into the Patapsco River after a container ship crashed into it
The US Coast Guard said six people who were on the bridge are presumed dead and search and rescue efforts have been called off
The bridge snapped and plunged into the water at about 01:30 ET (05:30 GMT) along with vehicles and people
The ship is now wedged into debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which is 3km (1.6 miles) long and part of a major highway
It suffered a "power issue" and issued a distress call moments before the crash, officials say, but was travelling too quickly to change course
Maryland Governor Wes Moore says the bridge will be rebuilt "in a way that remembers the people this tragedy has impacted"
President Biden has said his government will cover the "entire cost" of rebuilding the bridge and getting the port functioning again
The current scene at the bridge collapse in Baltimore
A Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson has confirmed that the Baltimore bridge collapse is a "mass casualty event".
The numbers of casualties are yet to be confirmed but we will bring you the latest updates from the emergency services shortly.
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If you're just joining us, we're bringing you live coverage of the Key Bridge in the US city of Baltimore which has collapsed. Here's what you need to know:
Image source, Getty ImagesThe bridge photographed in 2020
The bridge that collapsed in Baltimore is called the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Key Bridge for short.
It is is 3km (1.6 mile) long and is part of the 695 highway that circles Baltimore
Baltimore County executive, Johnny Olszewski Jr, says rescue efforts are under way following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the city.
Posting on social media, Olszewski Jr says: "I am aware of the situation at the Key Bridge and remain in regular communication with my Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Operations."
"Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted."
Baltimore's city police have just confirmed with us that it is possible that there are workers in the water after the Key Bridge collapse.
Earlier, we heard that as many as seven people and several vehicles had fallen into the river.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott says he is aware of the incident at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the city, and is in contact with local authorities.
Scott says: "I'm aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge... Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway."
There are no reports of casualties after the bridge collapsed early this morning, but seven people and several vehicles are reported to have entered the water.
The Maryland Transport Authority confirms that all lanes have been closed in both directions due to an "incident" on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the US city of Baltimore.
Traffic is being diverted, it says, either along the I-95 interstate through the city, or harbour tunnel.
These images show the moment "a large vessel" struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland at 01:30 ET (05:30 GMT) this morning, Baltimore fire department says.
Image source, StreamTimeLiveA ship can be seen approaching one of the supports of the bridge
Image source, StreamTimeLiveThe bridge then collapses into the water
At around 01:30am local time (05:30 GMT), a 911 caller reported an incident in the Francis Scott Key Bridge area.
Chief Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore City Fire Department confirmed to us that the bridge had been struck by "a large vessel" causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River.
He also told us that "as many as seven individuals and several vehicles" have fallen into the river.
There is now an ongoing multi-agency rescue operation being led by the fire department, collaborating with the US Coastguard and other Maryland agencies.
Emily McGarvey
Live editor
Welcome to our live coverage. A key bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, has collapsed into a river after being struck by a container ship, rescue services say.
A Baltimore City Fire Department spokesman says the bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River after being hit by a vessel in the early hours of this morning.
There is now a multi-agency rescue operation on the scene.
It is not currently clear if there have been any casualties. We will bring you the latest updates shortly.