Baltimore: Cargo ship explodes near key bridge site

In US, an apparent explosion occurred aboard a cargo ship in Baltimore Harbor, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, on Monday. Fire officials rushed to the scene around 6:30 p.m. after reports of an explosion aboard the ship. Crews discovered extensive damage consistent with both fire and blast, according to Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson John Marsh. T Baltimore Fire Department said in a Facebook post. "Upon arrival, the fireboat crew located the W-Sapphire, a 751 foot bulk carrier, showing signs of damage consistent with a fire and explosion."

BREAKING: Cargo ship explodes in Baltimore Harbor in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. pic.twitter.com/HuAErSIisR

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As per information, all 23 crew members survived without injury. The U.S. Coast Guard has taken over the investigation and cleared the ship from the busy shipping channel. It has since been moved to a designated anchorage area for further inspection. The ship departed Baltimore on Monday, 18 August at 5:55 p.m. and was en route to Port Louis, Mauritius, with an estimated arrival on September 23. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed these voyage details.