A Baltimore bridge has crashed into the Patapsco River after being struck by a large boat this morning.

Footage from Maryland showed the 9,000-foot structure crumbling after the vessel collided with one of its pillars.

There were no immediate reports of any casualties and it is not yet known if there was any traffic on the bridge at the time.

However, Brandon Scott revealed emergency services were on scene following the incident.

He said: "Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway."

Maryland's Transportation Authority also confirmed: "All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured."

Fire Boat operator Andrew Doyle added: "A container ship has struck the Key Bridge in Baltimore. Part of the bridge has collapsed. Multiple fire and police boats are on the way."

Footage from the scene circulated on social media before any official statements were made.

Users expressed their shock with the situation, with one writing: "This is devastating."

Other people describing the incident as "wildly catastrophic" and like a "nightmare".