Baltimore in state of emergency with desperate search underway for missing Americans lost after 'mass casualty event' following bridge collapse

Two people were removed from the Patapsco River, with one "severely" injured.

The other individual refused service and transport as they had not sustained any injuries.

Wallace reiterated at least seven vehicles fell into the water after a vessel hit a pillar holding up the 9,000-foot structure.

He said: "We may be looking for upwards of seven individuals, that is the latest information we have.

"However, what I would say is that the information I am giving you right now is what we know right now.

"This is a very large incident, it involves a very large footprint, multiple agencies are operating and therefore information is subject to change as we get more intel and as our crews work through the morning."

Wallace also stressed the tide is adding further challenges to the rescue search.

Baltimore's Fire Chief was unsure about whether there was a problem with the ship but stressed there was "no indication this is terrorism" and instead officials with investigate a possible oil spill.

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Mayor Scott, who described the incident as an "unthinkable tragedy", added: "We have to be thinking about the families and people impacted, folks who we have to try to find.

"This is what our focus should be on right now, we're going to continue to work in partnership with every part of government to do everything we can to get us through the other side of this tragedy."

Scott refused to be drawn on when the bridge might be rebuild, saying: "There are people in the water that we have to get out."

A separate update indicated 20 construction workers and three civilian cars were believed to have been on the bridge unaccounted for.

The structure is estimated to carry around 12 million vehicles every year.

The press conference was held after Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a state of emergency across the Old Line State.

Declaring the state of emergency, Moore said: "My office is in close communication with US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and the Baltimore Fire Department as emergency personnel are on the scene following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

"I have declared a State of Emergency here in Maryland and we are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration.

"We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety.

"We will remain in close contact with federal, state, and local entities that are carrying out rescue efforts as we continue to assess and respond to this tragedy."

Officials also confirmed they had been in communication with Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

In a social media update, Buttigieg said: "I've spoken with Governor Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge.

"Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response."

The White House, which is "closely monitoring" the situation, added: "Our hearts go out to the families of those who remain missing as a result of this horrific incident.

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