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, 4:04 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 collapse
Transportation 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
Mar 26, 2024, 1:38 PM EDT
Personnel on ship alerted officials before collision 'which undoubtedly saved lives': Biden
Personnel on the ship alerted the Maryland Department of Transportation that they lost control of the vessel, and officials were able to close the bridge before it was struck, "which undoubtedly saved lives," President Joe Biden told reporters.
4:18
Biden gives remarks on Baltimore bridge collapse
A cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Baltimore harbor early Tuesday morning, leading to a near-total collapse of the span.
ABCNews.com
It appears the crash was a "terrible accident," Biden said.
He said the search and rescue operation is the top priority.
"Ship traffic and the Port of Baltimore has been suspended until further notice. And we'll need to clear that channel before the ship traffic can resume," he said.
"It's my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstruction. ... I expect the Congress to support my effort," Biden said.
In this aerial image, the steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of a container ship after the bridge collapsed, Baltimore, March 26, 2024.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
"This is going to take some time," the president said, adding, "We're not leaving until this job gets done."
Biden, who noted he’s been over the bridge many times, said he plans to visit Baltimore as soon as possible.
Rescue personnel gather on the shore of the Patapsco River after a container ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge (back) causing its collapse in Baltimore, March 26, 2024.
Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA via Shutterstock
"Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families, especially those waiting for news of their loved one right now," the president said. "To the people of Baltimore, I want to say: We're with you. We're going to stay with you, as long as it takes."
