A search for several missing people is underway after a container ship rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing it to collapse into the river below.

Early information suggests the ship lost power and issued a mayday call before it crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. However, at least six people were missing hours later, and the state’s transportation secretary says they were part of a construction crew that was filling potholes on the bridge at the time. Two others were rescued.

Despite the different circumstances, the incident brought back memories for many Minnesotans of the state’s own catastrophe when the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed during the evening rush hour on Aug. 1, 2007. Thirteen people died after the collapse and another 145 people were hurt.

Maryland officials say, fortunately, they were able to limit some traffic on the bridge thanks to the mayday call, which likely saved some lives.

Multiple Minnesota politicians were among those who drew some parallels to the I-35W collapse.

“This bridge collapse brings back tough memories for Minnesotans. One of the hardest days of all my time in public service was when the I-35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River,” Sen. Tina Smith posted on social media. “My thoughts are with Baltimore and the loved ones of anyone still missing.”

Minnesota’s other U.S. senator, Amy Klobuchar, also recalled the 2007 disaster in a social media post, writing, “Such a horrible tragedy in Baltimore. When the I-35W bridge collapsed in Minnesota, so many people rushed to the scene and helped. Thankful for the Coast Guard and all the first responders.”

Gov. Tim Walz, who is set to deliver the State of the State address Tuesday night, posted that the state is “offering any resources” Baltimore needs in the wake of the collapse, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wrote that “Minneapolis stands with you.”

Jim Clack said he was thinking of the department he once led — the Baltimore Fire Department — a lot on Tuesday. Before going to Baltimore, he led Minneapolis Fire through the 35W disaster.

“It’s a once-in-a-career event,” Clack said.

“I remember how well the firefighters responded. I was just so proud,” he recalled of that tragedy.

Rob Allen, the former deputy police chief in Minneapolis who served as the initial incident commander of the I-35W bridge collapse, said many agencies are involved in a disaster of this scope. He believes that quickly establishing a command center is key to coordinating rescues, recoveries and investigations.

He also noted that events like this can help inform first responders who may have to face similar incidents in the future.

“I’ve got a portable hard drive of after-action reports from various incidents across the country … anytime something bad happens, if there is a silver lining to it, that we learn from those actions,” Allen said.

Clack agreed, saying, “We try to learn from each other. The best teacher is your own experience, but the fire service is good about sharing.”

For example, Clack noted that they learned through the 35W response that wearing standard gear in water wasn’t a good policy and that different equipment was needed.

But one part that training can’t provide all the answers for is how to best help the victims’ families.

“Getting information to the families as soon as we can about what we know, supporting them, and loving them, they are going through the worst day of their life,” Clack said.

As search efforts in Baltimore continue, the state’s governor has declared a state of emergency and says he’s working with officials to get federal resources deployed.