USA – Fire Erupts After Explosion on Coal-Carrying Cargo Ship in Baltimore; No Injuries Reported

An explosion on a coal-carrying cargo ship in Baltimore triggered a fire and sent thick black smoke into the air Monday evening, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew, officials said.

The vessel, identified as the W-Sapphire, was traveling outbound through a shipping channel near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse when the incident occurred. The Baltimore City Fire Department confirmed the location as the Patapsco River, close to the bridge’s former site.

There were 23 people on board the 751-foot bulk carrier at the time. According to fire officials, none were injured, although the ship showed visible signs of damage from both the explosion and the subsequent fire.

Emergency crews from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Baltimore City Fire Department quickly responded to the scene. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew West stated that the fire was successfully extinguished even as the vessel remained in motion.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. A stream of dark smoke was still pouring from the ship as responders worked to control the situation.

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