FBI conducting criminal investigation of Baltimore bridge collapse
FBI launches investigation of Baltimore bridge collapse focused on circumstances leading up to the boat’s collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge supports late last month.
The Dali cargo ship was leaving the Baltimore port early on March 26th on its way to Sri Lanka when it struck the bridge supports, causing a large span of the bridge to collapse and killing six construction workers. Only three of those bodies have been recovered.
According to AP News, the FBI is now conducting a criminal investigation to uncover whether all federal laws were followed leading up to the accident. No details surrounding the investigation have been released, but FBI agents did board the ship on Monday, April 15th as part of court-authorized activity.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also conducting an investigation of the incident to uncover whether or not the ship was experiencing power issues before it set off. Sources familiar with the incident say that the ship had experienced prior electrical issues before it lost power during the accident.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said Monday that the city has entered a partnership with two law firms to “launch legal action to hold the wrongdoers responsible” and “take decisive action to hold responsible all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and the manufacturer of the M/V Dali, as well as any other potentially liable third parties.”
The owner of the ship, which is managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. in Singapore, is reportedly attempting to limit the liability of the company in the accident.
“Due to the magnitude of the incident, there are various government agencies conducting investigations, in which we are fully participating,” said Synergy Marine spokesperson Darrell Wilson. “Out of respect for these investigations and any future legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”