A catastrophic event unfolded in Baltimore early Tuesday morning as the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River after being struck by a large container ship. Witnesses described a fiery explosion followed by a massive sound that shook nearby homes. The collapse resulted in several vehicles plunging into the frigid waters below, leading to a mass casualty response. Emergency responders are currently searching for at least seven individuals who are believed to be in the water. The incident caused a major disruption, blocking the harbor and impacting deliveries, including those from Amazon. The bridge, which opened in 1977 and is named after the author of the Star Spangled Banner, is a crucial link of I-695. Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. confirmed the ongoing rescue efforts and urged commuters to use alternate routes such as I-95 or I-895. The Maryland Transportation Authority announced the closure of all lanes on the Key Bridge and advised traffic detours. The vessel involved in the collision has been identified as a Singapore-flagged container ship named Dali, which had just departed from the port in Baltimore. The impact of the incident on the transportation infrastructure in the region is expected to be significant, with potential implications for traffic congestion and supply chain disruptions. The community is reeling from the unexpected collapse of the bridge, with one resident expressing disbelief at the sight of the structure disappearing into the river. As emergency services continue their search and rescue efforts, the full extent of the damage and the number of individuals affected remain uncertain.