On March 26, the cargo ship Dali left Baltimore's port with cargo bound for Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, the ship struck one of the Francis Scott Key Bridge's supports, causing the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of six members of a roadwork crew, with three bodies recovered so far.
Prior to departing, the Dali experienced apparent electrical issues while still docked in Baltimore. Alarms went off on the ship's refrigerated containers, indicating a potential power supply problem. The ship's crew acknowledged the issue and indicated that it would be addressed before setting sail.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating whether the ship experienced power issues before the crash. Board Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that their focus is on the ship's electrical system, particularly the power issues observed moments before the collision.
The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the bridge collapse, examining whether all federal laws were followed in the lead-up to the incident. Agents were aboard the cargo ship on Monday as part of this investigation.
In response to the tragedy, Mayor Brandon Scott announced a partnership with two law firms to pursue legal action against those responsible and protect Baltimore's interests. The companies associated with the Dali have filed a court petition seeking to limit their legal liability under U.S. maritime law.
Attorneys for some of the victims and a survivor of the collapse criticized the companies for using an "archaic law" to protect their assets. They emphasized the preventable nature of the incident and the impact on the affected families.
The investigations into the bridge collapse come at a time of heightened concern about the safety of U.S. bridges, particularly following a separate incident in Pittsburgh involving river barges. The aftermath of the Baltimore bridge collapse continues to unfold as authorities work to determine the causes and hold those responsible accountable.