PHOTOS: Daylight shows damage after ship crashes into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge | Search and rescue underway

BALTIMORE, Maryland – On Tuesday morning, a cargo vessel collided with a massive bridge in Baltimore, resulting in multiple sections snapping and tumbling into the river below. Numerous vehicles plunged into the frigid waters, prompting rescuers to search for at least seven individuals.

The crash happened around 1 a.m. EST.

According to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace, two people were pulled from the waters under the Francis Scott Key Bridge, one in serious condition.

SEE ALSO: Cargo ship hits Baltimore’s Key Bridge, bringing it down. At least 7 people believed to be in water

The cargo ship appears to have crashed into one of the bridge’s supports during the middle of the night when traffic would be expected to be lighter, according to a video posted on X.

The vessel caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.

“Never would you think that you would see, physically see, the Key Bridge tumble down like that. It looked like something out of an action movie,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, calling it “an unthinkable tragedy.”

The fire chief said authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people” but said that number could change. It was not clear if the two rescued were included in the seven.