PHOTOS: Baltimore bridge collapses after cargo ship rams into overpass

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

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, saying in a statement, "We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone's safety."

The fire department told CBS News that at about 1:30 a.m., 911 calls started coming in saying a vessel had hit a bridge column. It was unclear how many vehicles were on the span but "there was surely a large tractor-trailer" on it.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said on social media that his office was "closely monitoring the tragic situation" and said that there are "no indications that this was an intentional act."

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of the container ship Dali after the bridge collapsed, Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024. The bridge collapsed early March 26 after being struck by the Singapore-flagged Dali.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was in ruins after a cargo ship collided with it early Tuesday, March 26.

In an aerial view, cargo ship Dali is seen after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. Two survivors were pulled from the Patapsco River after the collision, but officials said six people were missing and presumed dead.

The ship's owner, Synergy Marine Group, said the cause of the collision wasn't known but all 22 crew members were accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries to any of them. Officials said the vessel reported losing power before it struck the bridge support.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge spans the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. CBS News Baltimore reports that the 1.6-mile span was used by some 31,000 people a day and was four lanes wide.

The Maryland Transportation Authority said all lanes were closed in both directions on I-695. The agency said traffic was being detoured to I-95 and I-895.

The Maryland Transportation Authority said all lanes were closed in both directions on I-695, which crosses the Key Bridge. The portion of the bridge that collapsed was on a stretch connecting Hawkins Point, on the south side of the waterway, and Dundalk, on the north.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on social media that he's "spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT's support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response."

Onlookers in Dundalk looking at the Key Bridge which collapsed on March 26, 2024, after a ship hit the bridge.

The bridge was named after the writer of "The Star-Spangled Banner." It was opened in 1977.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott told CBS News that six people are now unaccounted for. All six of those people are contractors who were doing work on the concrete decking on the bridge at the time of the collapse.

In an aerial view, cargo ship Dali is seen after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. Rescuers are searching for at least seven people, authorities say, while two others have been pulled from the Patapsco River.