There are six people missing after a bridge in the US state of Maryland collapsed when it was struck by a fully loaded cargo ship.

It’s understood the vessel reportedly lost power twice before it struck a pylon of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

The incident has triggered a search and rescue mission for half a dozen construction workers who were on the bridge moments before it collapsed.

The Port of Baltimore has released a statement saying in a post to the social media platform X: “We want to express our deepest thoughts to the individuals and families involved in this morning’s tragic incident.”

Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice – however, this doesn’t mean that it is closed.