Baltimore Press Conference: rescue operation is underway

A major US bridge has collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship, sending people and vehicles plunging into the river below.The ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore around 1.30am on Tuesday morning.As many as 20 workers are believed to have fallen into the Patapsco River, the Baltimore City Fire Department communications chief told the BBC.Dramatic footage of the incident shows the boat catching fire before sinking, sending multiple vehicles into the water beneath the bridge. Within 30 seconds the bridge was destroyed.The Baltimore mayor said emergency personnel were on scene and rescue efforts were underway.