Cargo ship that crashed into Baltimore’s Key Bridge ‘lost control and propulsion’ before collision: MD Dept. of Transportation

The crew "lost control" and "propulsion" prior to the crash. "The vessel notified MD Department of Transportation (MDOT) that they had lost control of the vessel and an allision with the bridge was possible," Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said in a press conference. "The vessel struck the bridge causing a complete collapse."

After the lights flashed on board the Dali, a billow of smoke rose from the ship. The vessel is owned by Grace Ocean Pte Ltd and managed by Synergy Marine Group.

Footage of the aftermath after the incident showed the bridge in the water with rescue operations underway. Helicopters and ships traveled around the area in search of those who were taken down with the bridge.

Ben Schafer, Professor of Civil and Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins, spoke to the Daily Mail, saying, "Where the bridge was struck is unique."

"As I understand it right now," he said, "the location where the bridge was struck is unique. In that it is the same location where the bridge has to resist the maximum amount of force as it holds up the center span," he added. "Almost all bridges from short to long span have some protection for bridge piers in the water to prevent scour and to prevent boat strikes, but it was apparently not enough in this situation."

Initial press information from the Maryland government indicated that "multiple" vehicles fell into the water below. Search and rescue is underway as of Tuesday morning.

Synergy Marine Group made a statement regarding the incident in a press release, saying, "Whilst the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the Dali has now mobilised its qualified individual incident response service."