The FBI has initiated a criminal investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, following a catastrophic collision with the Dali, a 980-foot container ship. This investigation focuses on whether the ship’s crew was aware of potential issues with the vessel before it left the port.
The incident, which occurred last month, has had a severe impact on local infrastructure and the community. The Dali, laden with nearly 130,000 tons of cargo, struck one of the bridge’s support pillars in the early hours of March 26, leading to its collapse. This vital transport route was undergoing maintenance at the time, and eight construction workers were on the bridge. The collapse resulted in six fatalities, with two workers surviving the ordeal.
In the moments leading up to the disaster, the ship reportedly lost propulsion and was unable to steer clear of the bridge. Horrific footage from the scene showed the bridge crumbling into the Patapsco River as the ship’s power flickered ominously. Additionally, a fire broke out aboard the Dali, exacerbating the emergency as thick black smoke billowed into the sky.
The Dali had been subjected to 27 inspections since its construction in 2015, revealing two significant deficiencies, though none were noted in the most recent inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard in New York on September 9, 2023.
The FBI’s investigation is running concurrently with a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) inquiry, which aims to pinpoint the cause of the crash and evaluate other safety concerns related to the incident. The outcomes of these investigations are awaited as both federal and state leaders, including President Joe Biden and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, have expressed their commitment to holding responsible parties accountable for the tragedy.