Baltimore Bridge collapse: Here's complete video of ship collision and aftermath

Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland’s Baltimore, which is 2.57 km-long, partially collapsed after a ship with a Singaporean flag on it collided with one of its pillars.

Although mass casualties are feared, AFP, citing the fire department, reported that up to 20 people fell into the water after the bridge was struck.

Videos on social media of the unfortunate accident showed the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse after the cargo ship crashed into it as the vessel was heading to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Two people have been rescued, with one of them “severely” injured, according to The Guardian.

The Baltimore City Fire Department said that several people were expected to sustain injuries and that its workers were already mobilised to find the people in the river.

In conversation with Reuters, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, said: "We received several 911 calls at around 1:30 am, that a vessel struck the Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing the collapse."

"This is currently a mass casualty incident and we are searching for seven people who are in the river."

Moments after the incident, Synergy Marine Group confirmed that its Singapore-flagged container ship 'Dali' collided with the bridge’s pillar.

"Whilst the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the 'Dali' has now mobilised its Qualified Individual Incident response service," the company said.

It added that no crew member was injured and all of them were accounted for.