(NewsNation) — A search and rescue effort is underway after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed Tuesday morning after a container ship rammed into one of its supports.
Maryland Secretary of Transportation Paul Wiedefeld said eight people were on the bridge when it collapsed. Rescuers pulled two people out of the water, but six others are missing.
As authorities search the water for the six people who are unaccounted for, Maryland residents gather for prayer and community support.
One Maryland resident told NewsNation that her father, who usually crosses the bridge around the time the accident occurred, happened to oversleep. She expressed tremendous sadness for the victims, and gratitude that her father was not on the bridge at the time.
“He was supposed to use it but he overslept. And honestly, I can’t imagine my dad going on that bridge and hearing that something happened to him. So I thank God for him not waking up early and going on the bridge,” said Yulisbeth Hernandez-Gomez.
John Currence, who came to pray with the families of the missing individuals, says he will do what is needed to support his community.
“First responders and the military is near and dear to my heart and anybody that we can serve in these efforts, be it lunch, or water or whatever it is, we’re just here as a community to help,” Currence told NewsNation.
Another individual who works at the same construction company as the victims says he didn’t know about the accident until he showed up for work Tuesday morning and realized the bridge was gone, and so were some of his co-workers.
He tells NewsNation he stood near the site for hours waiting on word from officials about where the search stands.
According to officials, the water temperature is around 47 degrees, which can make it extremely difficult for anyone trying to tread water or navigate the conditions. Hypothermia, extreme discomfort and confusion is likely to set in for anyone in the water for an extended period.
Two water rescues were conducted early Tuesday morning for individuals who were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge. One person was able to walk away on their own, the other was rushed to a trauma center.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the community rallies around the hope that the missing individuals could be found alive.