Cargo Ship Rams Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

UPDATE: Search and rescue operations have been suspended and is now considered  a search and recovery mission for the six missing persons in the water.

A major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after a container ship rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below.

Rescuers were searching for seven people in the water.

According to video posted on social media via live stream, the vessel appears to have hit one of the supports of the 157-foot-wide bridge at 1:27 a.m. Eastern, causing the roadway to break apart in several places and plunge into the water.

The container ship, named The Dali, from Singapore and owned by Synergy Marine Group, is 948 feet long and weighs around 100,000 tons fully loaded. The lights on the ship went out immediately when it struck the bridge support, according to the video.

The bridge opened in 1977. It spans the Patapsco River and is a vital artery along with the Port of Baltimore, and is a major hub for shipping on the East Coast. It is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The main channel is about 40 to 50 feet deep.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency.

Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said a search and rescue operation was underway.

The crew is still on the ship and they have been communicating with the US Coast Guard.

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Sonar has detected several vehicles in the frigid water, Chief Wallace said. Two people have been rescued so far.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said during a press conference that there are "people in the water we must get out."

It is estimated that around 31,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

First light showed some of the bridge structure draped over the bow of the ship.

There was reportedly a concrete crew working on the bridge at the time of the incident.