Dramatic video footage shows the moments the giant container ship lost power and crashed into the bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse.
When the Singapore-flagged vessel the Dali neared the the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early hours of Tuesday (US Eastern time), the ship's lights suddenly went out, before coming back on a second after.
But then just moments later, a large plume of smoke can be seen from the cargo vessel indicating a major power failure.
The crew immediately notified maritime authorities about the loss of power.
Then just seconds before the ship hits, footage shows traffic - including a truck - crossing the 47-year-old bridge.
But vehicles suddenly halt as the ship sends a critical mayday call out, avoiding further tragedy.
US bridge collapse disasters through history
The full force of the ship striking the bridge is dramatically shown as the structure collapses like a stack of matchsticks.
Multiple vehicles also went into the water, although authorities did not believe anyone was inside.
In an update, Maryland Governor Wes Moore said six people remain unaccounted for.
Baltimore Bridge Collapse: What we know
- A cargo ship has rammed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Bridge causing the span to collapse and the presumed deaths of six people.
- The operators of the Dali cargo ship issued a mayday call that the vessel had lost power moments before the crash, but the ship still headed toward the span. The ship was moving at roughly 15 kph
- The ship's warning enabled authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the span. The accident occurred at 1.30am, long before the busy morning rush. The bridge carried an estimated 30,800 vehicles a day on average in 2019.
- The ship is owned by Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Ltd., which said all crew members, including the two pilots, were accounted for and there were no reports of injuries.
- The 300-metre-long vessel struck one of the 2.6km bridge's supports, causing the span to break and fall into the water within seconds.
- Six construction workers who were filling potholes on the bridge are still missing and presumed dead.
- An inspection of the Dali last June at a port in Chile identified a problem with the ship's "propulsion and auxiliary machinery," according to Equasis, a shipping information system.
- Last June, federal inspectors rated the 47-year-old bridge in fair condition.
