Baltimore bridge collapse: Rescue efforts underway after cars plunge into the water

NBC 6 South Florida

26 Mar 202417:56

Summary

TLDRIn a press conference, Baltimore City Fire Department Chief James Wallace, along with Mayor Brandon Scott and other officials, provided an update on the search and rescue operation following the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore. At least two people were rescued from the water, with one in serious condition. The operation is ongoing, with multiple agencies involved, including air and marine assets. The focus remains on the search and rescue efforts, with up to seven individuals still potentially missing. There is no indication of terrorism or intentionality behind the bridge collapse.

Takeaways

🚨 The search and rescue operation is ongoing at the Patapsco River near the Key Bridge in Baltimore City after its collapse.
🛑 The incident began with a 911 call for a water rescue at approximately 01:40 AM, escalating with multiple calls indicating people in the water.
🚢 Initial reports suggest a ship may have struck the Key Bridge, leading to its collapse and people falling into the water.
💡 At 01:50 AM, the first unit from the Baltimore City Fire Department arrived on the scene, confirming the complete collapse of the Key Bridge.
🔍 Multiple agencies, including the Maryland State Police and Baltimore Police Department, are involved in the search and rescue with air and marine assets.
🚁 The operation is dynamic, with a large area to cover, including surface and sub-surface water searches and the deck of the ship.
🤕 Two individuals were rescued from the water; one refused service as they were not injured, while the other was seriously injured and transported to a trauma center.
🔢 There are potentially upwards of seven individuals still missing, though the number has fluctuated throughout the morning.
🛴 Sonar has detected the presence of vehicles submerged in the water, but an exact count is not yet available.
🚨 There is no indication of terrorism or intentional action leading to the bridge collapse; the investigation is ongoing with the cooperation of federal and state agencies.

Q & A

What was the cause of the emergency operation mentioned in the script?
-The emergency operation was initiated due to the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore City, following reports that a ship may have struck the bridge, leading to its partial collapse and multiple people being in the water.
What time did the Baltimore City Fire Department receive the dispatch call for the water rescue?
-The dispatch call for the water rescue was received by the Baltimore City Fire Department at approximately 0140 hours.
How many individuals were initially believed to be involved or affected by the Key Bridge collapse?
-It was believed that there may be upwards of seven individuals involved or affected by the Key Bridge collapse.
What types of assets were deployed for the search and rescue operation?
-The search and rescue operation deployed multiple air and marine assets from around the region, including assets from the Maryland State Police, Baltimore Police Department, and various local and state police agencies.
What technologies were utilized during the search and rescue operation?
-Technologies used during the search and rescue operation included side-scan sonar, other sonar capabilities, underwater UAVs, and infrared technology from both air and water surfaces.
How many people were removed from the water, and what was their condition?
-Two people were removed from the water; one individual refused service and was not injured, while the other was transported to a local trauma center in very serious condition.
What was the response of the ship's crew following the incident?
-The ship's crew remained on board and established communications with the Coast Guard, which was part of the overall operation to manage the situation.
How is the investigation into the cause of the bridge collapse being handled?
-The cause of the bridge collapse and related matters would be referred to law enforcement for investigation, as the primary focus of the operations mentioned was on search and rescue.
What were the challenges mentioned in conducting the search and rescue operation?
-Challenges in conducting the search and rescue operation included dealing with water currents, darkness, and ensuring safety while diving near the debris field.
Was there any indication or evidence of a fuel spill from the vessel involved?
-There was no confirmation of an active fuel spill from the vessel, although odors of diesel fuel were detected. The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Coast Guard were involved to assess the situation further.

Outlines

00:00

🚨 Fire Department Update on Key Bridge Collapse

Chief James Wallace of the Baltimore City Fire Department, joined by Mayor Brandon Scott and other officials, provides an update on the search and rescue operation following the collapse of the Key Bridge. A water rescue was initiated after a ship collision and subsequent bridge collapse at 0140 hours, with multiple people reported in the water. The first unit on the scene confirmed a complete bridge collapse, and two individuals were removed from the water, one with serious injuries. The operation involves multiple agencies and air and marine assets, with a large area to be searched including the water surface, sub-surface, and the ship deck. The focus is on searching for potentially upwards of seven individuals, with the situation being dynamic and the information subject to change.

05:01

🙏 Officials Express Support and Call for Unity

Mayor Brandon Scott and County Executive Oshefsky address the tragedy, emphasizing the need for prayers for the impacted families and gratitude for the first responders. They stress the ongoing and active nature of the search and rescue efforts, with a collective focus on finding and saving people. The officials also discuss the support received from state and federal partners, and the long road ahead in terms of search, rescue, and the aftermath of the incident. The conversation shifts to addressing the reporter's questions about the ship's crew, the first 911 call, and the potential number of people and vehicles involved in the collapse.

10:04

🔍 Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts

The conversation continues with reporters asking for more details about the rescue operation. Chief Wallace confirms that the ship's crew is still on board and in communication with the Coast Guard. He also addresses the challenge of determining the exact number of people in the water, the presence of submerged vehicles detected by sonar, and the potential impact of the tide and darkness on the search efforts. The Chief discusses the decision-making process regarding when to consider a rescue non-survivable, relying on dive teams and experts to guide the operation.

15:06

🌆 Response to the Catastrophic Event

County Executive Oshefsky shares his shock and disbelief at the scale of the tragedy, likening the bridge collapse to scenes from an action movie. He emphasizes the community's focus on the families affected and the first responders working tirelessly to save lives. The discussion turns to the broader implications for the community and commerce, with the Mayor stressing that the immediate priority is the search and rescue efforts, not the bridge's reconstruction or the investigation into the cause of the collapse. The officials also address the absence of any indication of terrorism, with ongoing collaboration with federal agencies to gather intelligence.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Search and Rescue

Search and Rescue refers to the operation of locating and providing aid to individuals who are in distress or imminent danger. In the context of the video, it is the primary mission of the Baltimore City Fire Department and other agencies to find and save people who may have fallen into the water or are otherwise affected by the collapse of the Key Bridge.

💡Chief James Wallace

Chief James Wallace is the head of the Baltimore City Fire Department and is leading the emergency response to the incident. His role is crucial in coordinating the efforts of different agencies and providing updates to the public and media.

💡Key Bridge

The Key Bridge is a significant infrastructure in Baltimore that has reportedly collapsed in the incident described in the video. The bridge is a vital transportation link, and its collapse has led to a major emergency situation involving water rescues and potential casualties.

💡Water Rescue

Water rescue is a specialized operation to save individuals from drowning or other water-related emergencies. In the video, water rescue is a critical component of the response to the bridge collapse, as people are believed to have fallen into the water and require immediate assistance.

💡Collapse

A collapse refers to the sudden falling in or caving in of a structure. In this context, it describes the incident where the Key Bridge has completely collapsed, which has triggered the emergency response and search and rescue operations.

💡First Responders

First responders are professionals who are trained to arrive quickly and provide assistance in emergency situations, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or accidents. In the video, first responders include members of the fire department, police, and other agencies working together to manage the crisis and help those affected.

💡Sonar

Sonar is a technology that uses sound waves to detect and locate objects underwater. In the video, sonar is crucial for the search and rescue operation as it helps identify the presence of vehicles and potentially people submerged in the water following the bridge collapse.

💡Trauma Center

A trauma center is a medical facility equipped and staffed to provide care for patients with serious, life-threatening injuries. In the video, one individual rescued from the water is transported to a local trauma center due to the severity of their condition.

💡Underwater UAVs

Underwater UAVs, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, are remotely operated devices designed to navigate and perform tasks underwater. In the context of the video, these UAVs are being used to assist in the search and rescue operation by exploring and mapping the underwater environment around the collapsed bridge.

💡Inflatable Technology

Inflatable technology refers to the use of devices or systems that can be expanded or filled with air to provide support, protection, or visibility. In the video, inflatable technology is likely used by rescue personnel on the water to assist in the search and rescue operation, potentially to mark locations or to help with the recovery of individuals from the water.

💡Emergency Management

Emergency management involves the coordination of efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters or emergencies. In the video, emergency management is demonstrated by the collaborative efforts of local and state agencies to address the crisis caused by the bridge collapse and to conduct a comprehensive search and rescue operation.

Highlights

Chief James Wallace provides an update on the search and rescue operation in Baltimore City.

Mayor Brandon Scott, Council President Mosby, and County Executive Scheffsky are present at the briefing.

A water rescue was dispatched for the Patapsco River near the Key Bridge after a ship collision.

Multiple calls indicated several people in the water following the incident.

The Key Bridge has collapsed, with multiple people likely on the bridge at the time.

Two individuals were removed from the water, with one refusing service and the other in serious condition.

Multiple agencies are involved in the ongoing search and rescue, including air and marine assets.

The operation is dynamic with a large area to be searched, including the surface and subsurface of the water and the ship deck.

Upwards of seven individuals are potentially missing and the search continues.

Mayor Scott emphasizes the tragedy and calls for prayers for the impacted families and first responders.

County Executive Oshefsky acknowledges the tragedy and the ongoing efforts of first responders.

The focus is on the search and rescue efforts and supporting the impacted families.

The crew of the ship is still on board and in communication with the Coast Guard.

The first 911 call's origin and the exact number of people in the water are still under investigation.

Sonar has detected the presence of submerged vehicles, but an exact count is not yet available.

The search and rescue operation is expected to continue for the next 8 to 12 hours with air and maritime assets.

There is no indication of terrorism or intentional action leading to the bridge collapse.

The priority is on the search and rescue efforts rather than the investigation or rebuilding at this time.

The community is stunned by the incident, and the focus should be on the humanity of those impacted and the efforts to save lives.

Transcripts

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