Baltimore is in a state of emergency as emergency services launched a desperate search after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed.

Fire Chief James Wallace convened a press conference alongside Mayor Brandon Scott, Council President Nick Mosby, County Executive John Olszewski and Fire Chief Joanne Rudd.

Two people were removed from the water, with one "severely" injured.

The other individual refused service and transport as they had not sustained any injuries.

Wallace reiterated at least seven vehicles fell into the water.

He said: "We may be looking for upwards of seven individuals, that is the latest information we have.

"However, what I would say is that the information I am giving you right now is what we know right now.

"This is a very large incident, it involves a very large footprint, multiple agencies are operating and therefore information is subject to change as we get more intel and as our crews work through the morning."

Wallace also stressed the tide is adding further challenges to the rescue search.

Mayor Scott, who described the incident as an "unthinkable tragedy", added: "We have to be thinking about the families and people impacted, folks who we have to try to find.

"This is what our focus should be on right now, we're going to continue to work in partnership with every part of government to do everything we can to get us through the other side of this tragedy."

The press conference was held after Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a state of emergency across the Old Line State.