KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, the United States, through the Malaysian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
In the press statement, The ministry said: "The Embassy of Malaysia in Washington, D.C. is actively coordinating efforts with local authorities to obtain further information."
The ministry also cautioned Malaysians in affected areas to stay vigilant and pay attention to recent announcements and instructions by the local authorities.
Malaysians who need aid are advised to contact the embassy through their website at consularwdc@kln.gov.my or call +1 (202) 375 4396. They can also write to the embassy at 3516, International Ct NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Last night a large container ship, the Dali, collided with one of the bridge's pillars, causing a significant portion of the structure to collapse into the Patapsco River.
The collision resulted in vehicles and people falling into the river, with rescuers managing to save two survivors, one of whom was in critical condition. The search for more survivors is still ongoing.
The US Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue mission and President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident, with no suspicion of malicious intent.
The ship's crew reportedly lost control of the vessel due to propulsion failure, and the port remained closed until further notice.
The mayor described the scene as resembling something out of an action movie, with twisted metal scattered about.
The rescue operation was anticipated to be prolonged and involve multiple agencies due to the scale of the incident.