A cargo ship crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning, causing a near-total collapse of the span and halting vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore.
Six construction workers are believed to have fallen from the collapsing bridge into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River below. The bodies of two of the victims have been recovered so far, while four remain missing and are presumed dead, officials said.
Two construction workers were rescued and six went missing in the immediate aftermath of the collapse, officials said. The bodies of two of the victims were recovered from the water on Wednesday amid ongoing search and recovery efforts, while four remain missing and are presumed dead, officials said.
Mar 26, 2024, 4:40 PM EDT
EPA on standby, not aware of any concerns
The regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency is on standby to respond to the aftermath of the bridge collapse if needed but is not aware of any environmental concerns at this time, according to EPA Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs spokesman Shaun Egan.
In an aerial view, cargo ship Dali is seen after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Mar. 26, 2024 in Baltimore.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Synergy Marine Group said Tuesday morning that there was no pollution from the ship.
The Coast Guard is the primary federal agency responding and they have not asked for EPA assistance. Coast Guard pollution responders were sent to the scene, and if any releases of fuel or other pollutants are detected, the EPA official said the agency is ready to support that response.
In an aerial view, cargo ship Dali is seen after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Mar. 26, 2024 in Baltimore.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
The Maryland Department of the Environment said it is "conducting water sampling upriver and downriver of the site."
-ABC News’ Stephanie Ebbs and Beatrice Peterson
Mar 26, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT
Harris: 'We are all praying'
Vice President Kamala Harris said she is "praying for the families of those who are missing and all those who have been touched by this tragedy."
FBI divers assisting in the search and rescue at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26,2024.
Obtained by ABC News
"I spoke with the governor of Maryland this morning, and we have directed the federal government to use all the resources that are available to assist with the search and rescue, to reopen the port and to rebuild the bridge as quickly as possible," Harris said while making a joint appearance with President Joe Biden at an event in North Carolina.
-ABC News’ Libby Cathey and Justin Ryan Gomez
Mar 26, 2024, 4:00 PM EDT
'Very much still a search and rescue mission,' governor says
Fourteen hours after the bridge collapse, crews are still desperately looking for the six people who remain unaccounted for, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
"This is very much still a search and rescue mission," Moore said.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore (L) and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott embrace following a press conference at the scene of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, Md, Mar. 26, 2024.
Shawn Thew/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
"We had the opportunity to spend time with the families. Had the opportunity to pray with them and pray for them," Moore said. "And the strength of these families is absolutely remarkable."
"We are hopeful and we are with the families," Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., said.
In an aerial view, cargo ship Dali is seen after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024 in Baltimore.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
"This is no ordinary bridge -- this is one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure. It has been part of the skyline of this region for longer than many of us have been alive," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “So the path to normalcy will not be easy, will not be quick, will not be inexpensive. But we will rebuild together."
The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of a container ship after it struck the bridge in Baltimore on March 26, 2024.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
Buttigieg did not give an estimate of how long it may take to resume vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore.
4:16
Buttigieg discusses ongoing operations after Maryland bridge collapseTransportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discussed the support that will be coming from the federal government and stressed the importance of rebuilding the bridge as soon as possible.
ABCNews.com
Mar 26, 2024, 2:28 PM EDT
Buttigieg meets with responders
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg traveled to the scene of the Baltimore bridge collapse, at the invitation of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, according to the Department of Transportation.
Buttigieg posted a photo of him meeting with responders.
An estimated 30,000 vehicles crossed the bridge per day, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.
Francis Scott Key Bridge Facts
ABC News, Maryland Transportation Authority, Mark Wilson/Getty
