A coal freighter was engulfed in a fireball as a powerful explosion took place near the site of Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The Coast Guard was called in on Monday following the dramatic explosion, which has now been fully contained, according to Baltimore city officials.
No injuries have been reported, Baltimore City fire spokesperson John Marsh told WBALTV.
BCFD units attended the scene in the Patapsco River by land and water and found the 751-ft long bulk carrier W Sapphire “showing signs of damage consistent with a fire and explosion.”
None of the 23 crew onboard the ship was injured and all have been accounted for.
The ship itself remained afloat during the explosion and, with the help of tug boats, will be brought to a designated anchor area.
An investigation has been launched by the Coast Guard, which says the ship was outbound when the explosion took place.
