Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders send prayers to Baltimore bridge collapse victims

The Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders both sent out messages on Tuesday with prayers for those affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The Key Bridge, which spans 1.6 miles over the Patapsco River in Baltimore, collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a cargo ship struck a key stanchion.

Rescue crews took to the water to save anyone who was on the bridge at the time of the collapse. Authorities are searching for six unaccounted-for people after rescuing at least two people so far. According to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the crew on the ship that hit Key Bridge issued a mayday call before impact. They told transportation officials that the ship was experiencing power issues, which led to a traffic halt across the bridge.

“I’m thankful for the folks, once the warning came up and once notification came up that there was a mayday, who literally by being able to stop cars from coming over the bridge — these people are heroes. They saved lives last night,” Moore said, via Jusin Fenton.

The bridge, which connected two pieces of southeast Baltimore, went up in 1977. It is primarily made out of steel and has a clearance of 185 feet. The container ship, called Dali, hit one of the stanchions, causing a complete failure in the heart of the bridge. Governor Moore also said the preliminary investigation into the Key Bridge collapse “points to an accident.” There is no credible evidence to suggest a terrorist attack.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses after nearly 50 years in commission

“We are devastated by today’s tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” the Washington Commanders posted. “Our hearts go out to those affected, their families and all of Baltimore. We have immense gratitude for the brave first responders working tirelessly in search and rescue efforts.”

“Our hearts go out to those affected by the horrific Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse early this morning,” the Ravens shared in a post on X. “We are grateful for the first responders and local leaders who are on scene to lead the search and rescue efforts and to support those families who have been the most directly impacted. We know that the Baltimore community will stand together in the aftermath of this tragic event.”

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson also took to social media to share a message to the victims.

“For the people and their families that was a part of the collapsing Bridge in Baltimore my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all…” Jackson wrote.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott issued a local state of emergency on Tuesday morning. The city is enacting its emergency operations plan to mitigate all the various effects of the collapse. Ships headed to Baltimore will now divert to other nearby ports. Baltimore has the ninth biggest US port for international cargo.