BALTIMORE Archbishop William Lori has called for prayers after a container strip struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in that city, leading to a catastrophic collapse early Tuesday.
The 300m cargo ship struck one of the bridge’s support columns just before 1.30am.
Footage on social media showed the 1km long, multilane bridge quickly collapsing after being struck.
In a statement , Archbishop Lori said he was “saddened, as you are, to learn of the tragic incident overnight that led to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Baltimore harbour.”
“Pray with me for all involved, especially the victims traveling over the span at the time of impact, the construction crews on site, and all of the first responders acting with urgency to rescue survivors.
“Let us join in prayer asking the Lord to grant consolation and strength as we cope with this terrible tragedy.”
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, also issued a call for prayers on Tuesday.
The Arlington Diocese is located about 60km from the Key Bridge.
“At this time of uncertainty, in which rescuers are heroically working to find survivors of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, I call on all people of goodwill to pray that additional survivors will be recovered and for first responders, the victims, and their families,” Bishop Burbidge wrote on X.
As of Tuesday afternoon, at least six people who were reportedly on the bridge at the time of the collapse were unaccounted for.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore said a mayday call from the ship prior to the accident allowed authorities to close the bridge just before the collapse, stopping traffic from crossing as the bridge fell apart.
“’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,” he told media.
“They saved lives last night.”
President Joe Biden said that he had “directed my administration to ensure every federal resource is available to assist search and rescue efforts and response to this terrible incident.”
Approximately 35,000 people travelled the Francis Scott Key Bridge every day.
The Port of Baltimore ranks among the 10 biggest US ports for international cargo.
