Baltimore bridge collapse: Six missing feared dead after rescue efforts suspended

• Singapore-flagged cargo ship was heading to Sri Lanka.
• Rescuers managed to save two survivors.
• Authorities praised the timely interventions to stop traffic.

At least six people dropped into the Patapsco River after a bridge dramatically collapsed into the water in Baltimore are feared to be dead as rescue operations halt after 18 hours of the incident, Reuters reported, 

In the aftermath of the collapse, officials from the US Coast Guard and Maryland State Police offered a grim estimation, indicating a small chance of finding the other six that are missing among the freezing and time passing with a higher degree of probability.

The event occurred very early hours when the Singapore-flagged container Dali, collided with one of the support pillars of the Frances Scott Key Bridge.

Rescuers managed to save two survivors, one of which was hospitalised. However, an intense search-and-rescue operation had to be stopped approximately 18 hours after the disaster. 

The work crew, in charge of bridge maintenance, encountered the unexpected bridge collapse while they were on the brink of their repairs.

Authorities praised the timely interventions to stop traffic after the vessel's omission of power was alluded to, thus saving further casualties.

"By being able to stop cars from coming over the bridge, these people are heroes. They saved lives last night," Maryland Governor Wes Moore said at a news briefing hours later. The bridge was up to code and there were no known structural issues, Moore said.

Governor Moore noted that the bridge was compliant with safety standards to avoid any doubt about the possibility of a criminal act or structural issues. 

Through the days of the search mission, the main goal is to find the missing individuals and offer the members of their families the required support during the difficult time after the awful accident.