(The Center Square) – Several people are missing after a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland, early Tuesday.

The container ship appears to have rammed into one of the major support pillars of the bridge, which supports part of I-695 – one of the major transportation arteries around Baltimore.

Baltimore County Fire Chief James Wallace briefed reporters during a press conference and said two people have been rescued, with “multiple people in the water.”

“We may be looking for upwards of seven individuals,” Wallace told reporters. The fire chief noted that the number could change.

One person has been transported to the hospital in serious condition, and one person refused medical attention.

Wallace said the incident “continues to be a major search and rescue operation.”

Multiple air and marine assets are assisting in the search and rescue mission.

“We have a large area we have to search,” Wallace said. He described it as a “very large incident.”

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said he is in contact with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore regarding the incident and is offering federal assistance.

“I’ve spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response,” Buttigieg posted on X.

The story is developing…