A major bridge in Baltimore, USA has collapsed into the river below after being hit by a container ship.

The Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management says early this morning the vessel collided with a support beam, causing the structure to fall into the Patapsco River.

BBC News adds that “rescuers are searching for at least seven people in the water, authorities say, while two people have been rescued.”

The Francis Scott Key Bridge is 3km long and is part of a major 695 highway orbital that encircles Baltimore which is home to the port known to be the largest in the US for specialised cargo.