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Two dead, 7 injured including a police officer after Miami-Dade County shooting

Two people are dead and seven others injured after a shooting incident in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

A police officer was among those wounded after an altercation at a commercial establishment in Doral City turned deadly when someone pulled a gun. A security guard who attempted to intervene was shot and killed, police said. 

The quick response and “heroic actions” from City of Doral police officers at the scene “prevented an incident from escalating,” Chief of Police Edwin Lopez told reporters at a news conference.

According to police, at around 3:30 a.m. there was a dispute between patrons at a martini bar at CityPlace Doral. When a security guard attempted to intervene, police say one of the patrons drew a firearm and fatally shot the guard.

Two Doral Police officers were working the establishment at the time and immediately responded. The officers drew their weapons and returned fire at the shooter.

One Doral police officer was hit in the lower extremity during the exchange of gunfire. He shot and killed the shooter, Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta said.

The wounded officer was able to apply a tourniquet on himself and is now in stable condition, Lopez said.

Police said a total of six bystanders were struck by gunfire, one woman and five men. Two of the bystanders were transported to local hospitals in critical condition.

Multiple police agencies are investigating the shooting. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the officer-involved shooting, Miami-Dade Police are investigating the homicide and Doral City police are assisting both investigations, Lopez said.

The chief observed that one year ago, to the day, Doral City Police conducted a mass casualty, multi-agency active shooter drill at CityPlace Doral, which he attributed to preventing further loss of life.

“Although we can never guarantee with 100% certainty that an incident like this does not occur, we can definitely ensure that when and if an incident like this occurs in South Florida, we have the capacity, the training and the necessary skill set to immediately diffuse the incident and eliminate the threat,” Lopez said.

He praised the responding officers for their bravery and swift, decisive actions.

“This is a extremely disappointing day in our South Florida community. Anytime a law enforcement officer is shot, it tears at the core fabric of our community. But we are grateful that he is alive and in stable condition, and we look forward to completing this investigation.

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4.8 magnitude earthquake strikes New Jersey, shaking buildings in surrounding states

East Coast residents felt the earth move Friday morning as a minor earthquake hit New Jersey and was felt in surrounding areas, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The earthquake measured at least 4.8 magnitude and struck near Lebanon, New Jersey, at 10:23 a.m., about 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia, according to USGS. An estimate indicates the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people in 14 states from Maine to North Carolina. More than 152,000 Americans reported feeling shaking to the USGS.
“Our region just experienced an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.7, with an epicenter near Readington in Hunterdon County,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. “We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency.
A 2.0 magnitude aftershock was recorded about five miles west of Bedminster, N.J., at 11:20 a.m., USGS officials said.
“A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit New Jersey and was felt in parts of Pennsylvania,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said. “My team and @PEMAHQ are actively monitoring the situation and in contact with counties on any damage. We will keep Pennsylvanians updated.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a similar statement and said her team “will update the public throughout the day.” At a press conference, Hochul said she felt the earthquake in the state capital of Albany.
“This is one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast to occur in the last century. So I immediately directed my emergency management team the second we received word of this to start doing damage assessments,” Hochul said.
Several people on social media commented that they felt the earth shake in Manhattan and surrounding areas. Some reported feeling tremors in Connecticut, Rhode Island and as far north as Vermont and New Hampshire.
Lara Walsh, a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut, said shelves rattled and her house shook. “My group chat for Rowayton paddle tennis team exploded when we all said, ‘what was that,’ and came to the conclusion it was definitely an earthquake,” Walsh told Fox News Digital.
“I thought my furnace was exploding, because it was a loud sound. Some thought it was a plane above,” Walsh said.
Mark Block, who lives in Trumbull, Conn., said he felt the earthquake “pretty strongly” in his area.
“What first sounded like our furnace rumbling was quickly replaced by glasses clinking and pictures shaking. Never felt anything like it in 63 years here,” Block said.
New Jersey resident David Hofreiter said his whole house in Whitehouse Station “shook very strongly” for about 30 seconds.
“Wall mounted TVs shook and moved and pictures were moved out of place. Some things in the house were knocked off of shelves,” Hofreiter said. “Throughout the whole event there was an odd sound that I can’t describe. All the neighbors came out of their houses and gathered to discuss what had happened. We have no damage to our home or property, but it was scary.
The Fire Department of New York said there were no initial reports of damage. New York City emergency services sent a cell phone alert to residents on Friday morning.
Flights at the Newark and John F. Kennedy International airports were temporarily halted and have now resumed. The Holland Tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey was temporarily closed for inspection and has been reopened, authorities said.
“I encourage all New Yorkers to check on your loved ones, and if you feel an aftershock, drop to the floor, cover your head and neck, and take cover under a solid piece of furniture, next to an interior wall, or in a doorway,” Mayor Adams said in a statement.
“So far no major life safety issues reported, no reported infrastructure issues, but we will continue our inspections of critical infrastructure.”
At a press conference, the mayor encouraged New Yorkers to return to their day as normal. School operations and afters chool programs will continue as planned, officials said.
New York Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Otto asked construction professionals to check on the city’s 1.1 million buildings and determine if those sites are secure, reporting any “troublesome” conditions to his department.
“You need to go out and check on your buildings, even if those sites are closed,” Otto said. “This is a time for that tired and true saying, if you see something, say something.”
Friday’s earthquake was the strongest to hit New Jersey in more than a century, according to Josh Dozor, a former Deputy Assistant Administrator of FEMA.
“Earthquakes are relatively rare on the East Coast compared to regions like the West Coast due to several geological factors,” Dozor told Fox News Digital. He explained that the East Coast is situated in the middle of a tectonic plate, unlike the West Coast, which sits on a tectonic boundary and where earthquakes are more common.
“With that, the 4.8 earthquake that was felt in the Northeast this morning is a very rare occurrence. Although we have seen smaller earthquakes on the East Coast over the years, the estimated 4.8 magnitude earthquake would be the strongest to occur in New Jersey in nearly 250 years,” Dozor said.
“While earthquakes are uncommon in this region, it is imperative that individuals and businesses stay prepared as these natural disasters can occur at any given moment. If you feel an earthquake, you should drop, cover, and hold on and make sure to stay away from any heavy furniture.

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Teacher’s children found with slain mom after ‘disguised’ husband kidnapped them

A beloved Florida teacher was kidnapped by her estranged husband and fatally shot in front of their kids before he turned the gun on himself as police closed in.

First responders found Jamie Felix’s 10- and 17-year-old children – unharmed – sitting with their mom, who died at the scene.

Felix was a 45-year-old middle school teacher at Manatee Academy K-8 School in Port St. Lucie, where she was crowned “Teacher of the Year,” according to the school’s social media posts.

“Jamie Bukoski Felix is a beautiful soul who will live forever in the hearts of those who love her. She loved her children to depths that words can’t express,” her friend wrote in a tribute post on Facebook. “She was incredibly brave and resilient. She had the most amazingly contagious laugh, especially when something delighted her.”

Felix and her estranged husband, 60-year-old Ray Felix, were going through a messy divorce that reportedly included previous incidents of domestic violence, before she was killed late Friday evening.

Ray was armed and disguised when he snuck up on Jamie and the kids in a business parking lot in Port St. Lucie around 4 p.m, forced everyone into his rental car and sent a “suspicious email to her coworkers,” Acting Police Chief Richard Del Toro said during a press conference.

“The email from what I understand was basically that she had lied about the domestic violence incident, which we know not to be true,” Del Toro said.

Her coworkers reported the email to the police around 6:30 p.m., but the situation had already spiraled out of control.

By that time, Ray forced his 17-year-old son into his rental car and made him follow his mom’s SUV, which headed south into West Palm Beach.

Jamie drove the SUV with a gun pointed at her head, according to police, while their 10-year-old son was in the back seat.

They finally stopped and pulled into a parking lot near a hotel for “unknown reasons,” West Palm Beach Police spokesman Mike Jachles told local newspaper TCPalm.

Ray and Jamie got out of the SUV, and Ray fired multiple shots at his wife.

The kids watched their mom collapse to the ground, as their dad sped off in the rental car.

That was around 7:30 p.m., when West Palm Beach police were flooded with 911 calls.

Jamie was pronounced dead at the scene, and responding officers found Ray about a quarter-mile from the rental agency after he returned the car.

As the officers approached, Ray shot himself, Jachles said. “No officers fired any shots or anything. . . . He appeared intent on one thing, and that’s taking his life.”

Family, friends, coworkers and students – past and present – penned tributes to the late teacher on social media and her obituary.

A local Facebook group called Slscanner, which emphasized that it doesn’t post videos, pictures and tributes without consent, shared this video of Jamie’s students surprising their teacher.

Jamie was known for her love of University of Michigan sports and coached basketball, according to her obituary.

“She was genuinely thankful for every kindness she received, she was brilliant but humble (she had absolutely no idea how gifted and beautiful she was),” Monica Jackman wrote on Facebook.

“She was fun and funny and witty and could make me cry with laughter, she was compassionate, she was loyal and dedicated, she was a girl’s girl who lifted up her friends at every opportunity.”

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Burglary crew allegedly nets up to $30M in one of the largest cash heists in LA history

It’s being called one of the largest cash heists in Los Angeles history.

a burglary crew allegedly broke into a vault of a money storage facility in the San Fernando Valley and got away with up to $30 million.

The burglars reportedly broke into the GardaWorld facility, located near the intersection of Roxford Street and San Fernando Road in Sylmar, either through the side of the building or the roof and managed to open a vault to where cash was being stored without setting off any alarms. The crew was so stealthy and malicious, that no one even noticed the money was gone until Monday when employees opened the vault, which showed no obvious signs of a break-in.

GardaWorld has branches worldwide and over 132,000 employees. It specializes in cash services, which include ATM services and armored truck transport. According to its website, some of its clients are Fortune 500 companies and even U.S. and international government agencies.

officials with the Los Angeles Police Department said they are doing a joint investigation with the FBI.

No arrests have been announced in the case and the investigation is ongoing.

The theft comes nearly two years after as much as $100 million in jewels and other valuables were stolen from a Brink’s truck at a truck stop near Los Angeles. The thieves have not been caught.

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Discovering Sitia, Crete’s Hidden Gem of History, Beaches, and Gastronomy

Sitia, nestled on the northeastern coast of the captivating Greek island of Crete, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and laid-back charm, Sitia offers visitors an authentic Cretan experience away from the bustling crowds often found in other parts of the island.

Location and Accessibility:

Sitia is located in the Lasithi region of eastern Crete, Greece. While it may not be as well-known as other destinations on the island, reaching Sitia is relatively easy. The most common way to get there is by flying into Sitia Airport (JSH), which offers both domestic flights from Athens and some international connections. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a scenic drive from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, which takes approximately two and a half hours. The journey from Agios Nikolaos, another major town in Crete, is around one and a half hours by car.

What is Sitia Famous For?

Sitia is famous for its unspoiled beauty, charming ambiance, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some highlights that make Sitia stand out:

1.         Venetian Fortress: Dominating the skyline of Sitia is the Venetian fortress perched on a hill overlooking the town. Dating back to the 13th century, this well-preserved fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and provides a glimpse into Sitia’s historical significance.

2.         Pristine Beaches: Sitia boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Vai Beach, renowned for its palm forest, is a must-visit, while other favorites include Kouremenos Beach for windsurfing enthusiasts and Itanos Beach for its secluded coves.

3.         Archaeological Sites: History buffs will appreciate the plethora of archaeological sites scattered throughout the region. The Minoan settlement of Petras, located just outside Sitia, offers insights into ancient Cretan civilization, while the nearby Toplou Monastery showcases stunning Byzantine architecture and a fascinating museum.

4.         Cretan Cuisine: Sitia is a paradise for food lovers, with its tavernas and restaurants serving up delicious Cretan cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local specialties such as dakos (rusk salad), lamb kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb), and fresh seafood caught daily from the Aegean Sea.

Best Time to Visit Sitia:

The best time to visit Sitia depends on individual preferences and interests. However, the months of May to October generally offer the most favorable weather for exploring the outdoors and enjoying the beaches. During this time, temperatures are warm, and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for swimming, hiking, and sightseeing.

Additionally, visiting Sitia during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) can be rewarding, as the weather is still pleasant, and the tourist crowds are fewer compared to the peak summer months. Nature enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the blooming wildflowers in spring and the changing colors of the landscape in autumn.

While Sitia is enchanting year-round, it’s essential to note that some attractions and services may have limited operating hours during the winter months (November to March), and the weather can be cooler and wetter, although still relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe.

Sitia, Crete, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Cretan experience. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, basking on sun-kissed beaches, or savoring the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine, Sitia promises an unforgettable journey off the beaten path.

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Georgia woman kidnapped, burned, cut in attack as she was leaving work

A Georgia woman was kidnapped, burned and cut by an assailant as she was attempting to leave work, according to her family.

The victim’s family told DeKalb County Police the woman, who is in her 60s, was leaving work at an accounting firm along Montreal Road in Tucker on Wednesday when she was attacked, WXIA reported. The exact time the incident began is unclear, but the firm closes at around 5:30 p.m. and the victim’s family believes it happened shortly after closing.

The family said a man approached the woman and demanded she let him inside the business. But she refused and the man forced her into her vehicle, made her drive to an ATM and told her to withdraw money.

During this incident, the man cut the woman across her body, including her face, and at some point he burned her face, the family said.

The man then forced the woman to drive back to her job, where she managed to escape.

The woman was able to drive a few hundred yards down Montreal Road to DeKalb County Fire Station 22, where Fire Captain Shaneqwa Eafford told reporters only one crew member was awake, according to WXIA. The woman made enough noise in the parking lot to catch the attention of the crew member, who woke up Eafford and the other firefighters.

The fire station contacted the police, who were dispatched to the area at around 9 p.m. for the reported kidnapping and assault.

Eafford said the entire crew was at the station, including their ambulance, when the woman showed up.

“We had a DeKalb Fire Rescue transport unit in the house that was able to take her immediately; no wait at all,” Eafford said.

“It was a blessing for her to be able to come to us and for us to be here as well,” she added.

Police said detectives have been working to find evidence to help identify and locate the suspect.

The victim’s family said she remains in the hospital, having undergone at least one surgery since the attack.

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Fani Willis Talks About Race in New Speech Despite Judge McAfee’s Rebuke

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis spoke about race in a speech on Friday, seemingly in response to part of Judge Scott McAfee’s recent order that said she could remain on Donald Trump’s Georgia election interference case.

Last year, Willis charged the former president and 18 others for efforts to allegedly overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, which Trump claimed was stolen from him despite a lack of evidence. Her investigation focused on Trump’s phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, in which he allegedly asked him to find enough votes to tilt the election in his favor against Joe Biden, and the alleged plot to submit a false slate of pro-Trump electors to the Electoral College. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence.

However, the case was halted after attorneys representing one of Trump’s co-defendants raised concerns about the relationship between Willis and the lead prosecutor on the case, Nathan Wade. Willis then found herself at the center of a potential ethics violations related to the alleged affair.

Willis previously rejected the accusations and said during a speech in January at an Atlanta church that her critics were “playing the race card” given that they had singled out Wade, who is Black.

As part of his March 15 ruling, McAfee focused on Willis’ January speech and noted that “the District Attorney described the effort [to disqualify her] as motivated by ‘playing the race card.'”

On Friday, Willis appeared at the South Fulton Women of the Shield Awards where she said during a speech, “It’s hard out here always having to prove yourself two and three times. Recently, they tell me, they don’t like me to talk about race. Well, I’m going to talk about it anyway. Truth is, there’s some challenges that come with being Black. And I see so much greatness in this city that has so many great African American leaders. And I appreciate all of the sacrifice that you all have had to make to be in these positions.”

McAfee ruled that Willis could stay on the case against Trump if she removed Wade, who ultimately resigned from his position.

In his order, McAfee took issue with Willis’ comments that she and Wade were being scrutinized because of their race. Willis later said she was referring to the defendants, however McAfee said making a distinction was unclear due to Willis’ reference to “so many others” and “they” in her January speech.

“In these public and televised comments, the District Attorney complained that a Fulton County Commissioner ‘and so many others’ questioned her decision to hire SADA Wade. When referring to her detractors throughout the speech, she frequently utilized the plural ‘they.’ The State argues the speech was not aimed at any of the Defendants in this case. Maybe so. But maybe not. Therein lies the danger of public comment by a prosecuting attorney,” McAfee wrote in his ruling.

John Clifford Floyd III, Willis’ father, testified in February that Willis was forced to move from her South Fulton home after being harassed and receiving death threats.

“The South Fulton police brought a man with a dog, because there were so many death threats,” he said. “They said they were going to blow up the house, they said they were going to kill her, kill me, kill her grandchildren.”

Once Willis moved, she kept the location of her new home secret from her father due to the threats, he testified.

On Friday, Willis also thanked officers for keeping her and her family safe.

“I have put extra strain on this police department because you’ve had to take extra steps to make sure we are safe,” she said. “Over the last three years now, I love this police department like no other. I’ve put a lot of burden on this police department and some of the women that are here today. Y’all have gone out of your way to make sure that me and my girls were safe and that has been very appreciated.”

In a new court filing on Friday, Trump’s attorneys appealed McAfee’s decision for Willis to remain on the case, arguing that “the trial court erred as a matter of law by not requiring dismissal and DA Willis’ disqualification.”

For an appeal to move forward, the Georgia Court of Appeals will have to agree to take up the case. Willis’ office also has 10 days to respond to the application, which they may oppose.

No trial date has been set in the Georgia criminal case, one of four that the former president is facing as he heads towards a likely November rematch with Biden in this year’s upcoming presidential election.

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Jonathan Diller shooting: NYPD sergeants’ union tells anti-police Democrats to stay away from funeral

The NYPD’s Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) sent a damning letter calling out far-left Democratic leaders in New York City for their anti-police and soft-on-crime policies and telling them to stay away from the funeral of slain Officer Jonathan Diller.

The 31-year-old father died Monday after a violent ex-con with 21 prior arrests allegedly shot him in the stomach when police approached the car where the suspect was sitting in the passenger seat.

“I’m sure that many elected officials will attend PO Diller’s funeral, shed a few crocodile tears, and prominently seat themselves for a good photo opportunity,” SBA President Vincent Vallelong wrote in a letter to union members. “The sad reality is we don’t want them there.”

Law enforcement sources told Fox News Digital that a number of NYPD officers who were planning to attend Diller’s memorial services have been called into work for President Biden’s security detail for a fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall with former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Former President Trump, on the other hand, did attend Diller’s wake Thursday afternoon, calling for an end to soft-on-crime policies afterward.

“The Diller family will never be the same – you can never be the same,” Trump said outside the funeral home. “And we have to stop it. We have to get back to law and order.”

Vallelong said he found it infuriating to see city politicians who have supported movements to “defund” police and let criminals out of jail posting politically motivated condolences on social media.

“Their presence is more than a distraction,” Vallelong continued. “It is a stain on the legacy of a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the scores of dedicated and committed public servants who will carry on his mission despite their constant criticism, cynicism, negativity, and frivolous accusations.”

In an interview with the New York Post, the union leader took it a step further and called out City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams by name.

“They detest cops and have no appreciation for what they do,” he told the paper. “They should stay home and not pretend they are grieving.”

When Williams wrote on X about Diller’s death earlier this week, many of the replies contained harsh criticism.

“I like how this post doesn’t address the need to get criminals off our streets,” one user

Williams, a former City Council member who was elected the city’s public advocate in 2019, has previously described himself as a democratic socialist and in 2020 argued that $1 billion in NYPD budget cuts wouldn’t go far enough to “defund” the police.

Adams in January helped override a veto from Mayor Eric Adams, no relation, for a bill that requires police officers to perform increased paperwork after encounters with the public.

“Despite their admonitions to the contrary, the ‘leadership’ in the Council has failed city residents, workers, and visitors at every turn,” Vallelong wrote. “They are blinded by their own hatred and twisted ideology.”

Without naming names, Vallelong’s letter also accused “many prosecutors” of being also to blame for “this utter destruction of civilized society in New York.”

“They would rather see the city burn and countless lives lost rather than correct their legislative mistakes and at least give the city a chance at survival or a resurgence,” he wrote.

Guy Rivera, a 34-year-old man with 21 prior arrests, nine of them for felonies, allegedly shot and killed Diller during a stop in Far Rockaway on Monday evening.

Other officers returned fire and Rivera was still in police custody at the hospital Thursday morning, according to Queens prosecutors.

A friend in the same vehicle, Lindy Jones, 41, was convicted of attempted murder in 2002, served time in prison and was somehow out on the streets despite a pending felony firearms case from last year, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

He racked up more weapons charges when police allegedly found a handgun with the serial number filed off in his glove box.

“The Council members who are vehemently and inexplicably against public safety are responsible for the carnage in the streets and the heartbreak brought about by PO Diller’s completely avoidable death,” Vallelong wrote.

“Those in the Council who have declared war on the police should be the ones put under a microscope and investigated by an outside agency for every legislative mistake and misstep they make.”

It comes weeks after the state’s Democrat Attorney General Letitia James faced jeers and boos when she appeared at a promotion ceremony for members of the FDNY.

The interruption came shortly after James successfully sued former President Trump in an effort to crack down on his New York businesses. Firefighters chanted, “Trump! Trump! Trump!”

Diller will be laid to rest Saturday in Massapequa. His wake services begin Thursday afternoon.

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Cargo ship hits Baltimore’s Key Bridge, bringing it down. Rescuers are looking for people in water

A container ship rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore, causing it to snap and plunge into the river below. Several vehicles fell into the chilly waters, and rescuers were searching for survivors.

Two people were rescued from the waters under the Francis Scott Key Bridge, one in serious condition, according to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace. He said authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people” but said that number could change. It was not clear if the two rescued were included in the seven.

It was not immediately clear what caused the cargo ship to crash into the bridge long before the busy morning commute in what one official called a “developing mass casualty event” in a major American city just outside of Washington.

The ship crashed into one of the bridge’s supports, causing the structure to snap and buckle at several points and tumble into the water in a matter of seconds — a shocking spectacle that was captured on video and posted on social media. The vessel caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.

“Never would you think that you would see, physically see, the Key Bridge tumble down like that. It looked like something out of an action movie,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, calling it “an unthinkable tragedy.”

Sonar has indicated that there are vehicles in the water, where the temperature was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) in the early hours of Tuesday, according to a buoy that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Earlier, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press that several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, including one the size of a tractor-trailer truck. The bridge came down in the middle of night when traffic would be lighter than during the day when thousands of cars traverse the span.

Cartwright called the collapse a “developing mass casualty event,” though he didn’t know at the time how many people were affected.

He added that some cargo appeared to be dangling from the bridge, which spans the Patapsco River at the entrance to a busy harbor. The river leads to the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for shipping on the East Coast. Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and said he was working to get federal resources deployed. The FBI was also on the scene.

Synergy Marine Group — which owns and manages the ship called the Dali — confirmed the vessel hit a pillar of the bridge at about 1:30 a.m. while two pilots were in control. It said all crew members, including the pilots, were accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.

The Dali was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and flying under a Singapore flag, according to data from Marine Traffic. The container ship is about 985 feet (300 meters) long and about 157 feet (48 meters) wide, according to the website.

In 2001, a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in a tunnel in downtown Baltimore and caught fire, spewing black smoke into surrounding neighborhoods and forcing officials to temporarily close all major roads into the city.

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Baltimore Bridge collapses into harbor after ship strike, causing mass casualty event

A container ship struck Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a “catastrophic collapse,” sending vehicles and people into the water, officials in Maryland said.

“At this time, itis an active search and rescue mission,” said Maryland Secretary of Transportation, Paul Wiedefeld. “We know there were individuals on the bridge at the time of the collapse, working on the bridge.

At a press conference early the morning officials said two people were rescued, with one of those people said to be is in very serious condition. The other person did not need medical treatment.

The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue for those who remain unaccounted for as a result of the bridge collapse.

What to know about the collapse

“I can confirm at 1:35 a.m., Baltimore City police were notified of a partial bridge collapse, with workers possibly in the water, at the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” the Baltimore Police Department said in a statement. Officials have since said the bridge has “fully collapsed.

The Maryland Transportation Authority said the collapse occurred “due to ship strike.”

The 948-foot container ship Dali, a Singapore-flagged vessel owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd, struck the bridge at about 1:30 a.m., according to a ship-tracking company.

“All crew members, including the two pilots have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries,” Synergy Marine Group said in a statement.

The company said the 22 crew members, including the pilots, were based in India.

The cause of the crash is “yet to be determined,” the statement said.

The vessel appears to have hit one of the supports of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the roadway to break apart in several places and plunge into the water, according to a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Multiple vehicles plunged from the bridge at the time of the collapse, the Baltimore City Fire Department said. Divers were searching for at least seven people in the water, the department said.

Response boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Curtis Bay and Annapolis have crews deployed to the incident for active search and rescue, according to USCG. A Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and Coast Guard investigators and pollution responders are also en route to the incident.

“An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast is issued regarding the incident and there has been a 2000-yard safety zone issued for the surrounding waters. Mariners are urged to avoid the area,” USCG said.

The bridge, which is part of Interstate 695, opened in 1977 and crosses the Patapsco River in Baltimore’s harbor. It is a vital artery, that along with the Port of Baltimore, is a hub for shipping on the East Coast.

It is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“This is a dire emergency,” Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press. “Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people.

Emergency responders were searching for at least seven people believed to be in the water, Cartwright said, though he said it’s too early to know how many people were affected. He called the collapse a “developing mass casualty event.”

He added that some cargo appeared to be dangling from the bridge.

He said agencies received 911 calls around 1:30 a.m. reporting that a ship leaving Baltimore had struck a column on the bridge. Several vehicles were on the bridge at the time, including one the size of a tractor-trailer truck.

The temperature in the river was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) in the early hours of Tuesday, according to a buoy that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

From a vantage point near the entrance to the bridge, jagged remnants of its steel frame were visible protruding from the water, with the on-ramp ending abruptly where the span once began.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. posted that emergency personnel were responding and rescue efforts were underway.

“All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge,” MDTA officials said in a statement at about 2 a.m. “Traffic is being detoured.”

Governor declares state of emergency

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency following the collapse.

“We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration,” Moore said in a statement.

Detours and logistics

Drivers are being told to avoid I-695 southeast corridor and use I-95 and I-895 as alternatives.

“I-695 is being detoured southbound at exit 43 (Peninsula Expressway) and northbound at Exit 2 (Route 10),” Wiedefeld said.

Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice, however, officials said the port is still open for truck transactions.

White House ‘closely monitoring’ bridge collapse

The White House said early Tuesday it was “closely monitoring” the situation in Baltimore, where a cargo ship struck a major bridge.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those who remain missing as a result of this horrific incident,” a White House official said.

There was no indication of “any nefarious intent,” an official said.

Senior White House officials have been in touch with the Maryland governor and Baltimore mayor to offer any federal assistance they need, the administration said.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg also said he has spoken to Maryland’s governor and Baltimore’s mayor, offering USDOT support.

FBI Baltimore personnel are also at the scene to assist.

“We are aware of the incident in Baltimore. The priority is ensuring the safety of those affected as a search and rescue operation is underway. We expect an investigation report will be submitted to IMO in due course,” the International Maritime Organization said in a statement.

In 2001, a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in a tunnel in downtown Baltimore and caught fire, spewing black smoke into surrounding neighborhoods and forcing officials to temporarily close all major roads into the city.