Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore, MD

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after a support column was hit by a large container ship that had lost power, sending vehicles and people into the Patapsco River, authorities said.

Six people remain unaccounted for, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said in a mid-morning news conference. All six were part of a construction crew that was filling potholes on the bridge at the time, Wiedefeld said. Two other workers were rescued from the water.

Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace told reporters the scene was "an active search and rescue." The Coast Guard was taking part.

One of the rescued workers was unhurt but the other is being treated at the University of Maryland Medical Center and has been unable to speak to investigators so far, officials said. The worker being treated is in serious condition.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, saying in a statement that "we are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration. We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone's safety."