A search and rescue operation is currently underway for upwards of seven people after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday morning.
Kevin Cartwright, director of communications of the Baltimore City Fire Department, told CNN that freezing temperatures “pose a concern” in finding those in the water after several vehicles fell into the Patapsco River amid the bridge’s collapse.
“This happened at 01:30 a.m. with limited visibility so we are working aggressively, considering the environmental temperatures as well as the water temperatures to try and rescue and perhaps recover individuals,” Cartwright told the outlet.
“It feels like at least about 30 degrees where I am,” Cartwright continued. “It could be slightly lower than that. And I’m sure that the water temperature is even colder … And that can pose a concern and risk for our divers.”
Two people have so far been rescued from the river, Baltimore Fire Department Chief James Wallace said during a press conference on Tuesday morning, per CNN. One of the individuals was transported to the hospital in a “very serious condition,” Wallace said. The other individual was uninjured.
Wallace added that authorities are continuing to search for upwards of seven people. “We are still very much in an active search and rescue posture at this point, and we will continue to be for some time,” he said, according to the outlet.
