The iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge toppled into the Patapsco River early Tuesday after it was struck by a 984-foot ship.
When the pilot realized the powerless vessel was headed for the bridge, he called a 'Mayday' which alerted the U.S. Coast Guard and Maryland Transportation Authority Police to stop traffic.
In addition to motorists, there was a construction crew fixing potholes on the bridge. As it was their break time, some were in their vehicles.
The span shook violently before crashing into the river taking vehicles, a piece of construction equipment and eight workers with it.
“The whole bridge just fell down. Start … start whoever, everybody," a transportation officer said over his radio.
Baltimore City firefighters were dispatched to the bridge for the report of a vehicle in the water. Moments later, the dispatcher said there may be 13 people in the water.
Two men were rescued immediately. One refused treatment while the other was taken to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center where he was later released.
Divers spent Tuesday searching for victims. But, the operation was suspended late that night.
