Baltimore bridge collapses into river after being hit by cargo ship

1. Baltimore mayor en route to the scene

   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.

2. All lanes closed after Baltimore bridge collapse

   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.

3. The moment the key bridge collapsed in Baltimore

   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.

   

   StreamTimeLiveCopyright: StreamTimeLive

   A ship can be seen approaching one of the supports of the bridgeImage caption: A ship can be seen approaching one of the supports of the bridge

   

   StreamTimeLiveCopyright: StreamTimeLive

   The bridge then collapses into the waterImage caption: The bridge then collapses into the water

4. What we know so far about the Baltimore bridge collapse

   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.

5. Baltimore bridge collapses with rescue operation under way

   

   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.