In full: Baltimore bridge collapse is ‘mass casualty event’ – watch press conference

Authorities are currently giving a press conference amid a ‘mass casualty event’ following the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, after it was hit by a container ship. A bridge collapsed after it was hit by a cargo ship, sending several vehicles into the water. Rescue workers were searching for at least seven people believed to be in the water, said Kevin Cartwright, the director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department. The vessel was chartered by shipping company Maersk at the time of the accident, the Danish company has said. “We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected,” Maersk said. The Dali was set to depart Baltimore early on Tuesday and arrive at Colombo on April 22, according to a schedule on Maersk’s website. James Wallace, the Baltimore Fire Chief, said emergency services were able to remove two people from the water, one of whom was in a “very serious condition”. He con