FBI Opens Criminal Investigation into Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

Cargo Ship Dali Raided by FBI Following Collision

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced that it has opened a criminal investigation surrounding the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last month. This announcement came as agents raided the Dali cargo ship which collided with the bridge. According to sources, the FBI is looking at the circumstances leading up to the crash, and whether federal laws were followed by crew members aboard the vessel.

Six Workers Killed in the Collapse

The Dali cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26th, resulting in the deaths of six people who were working on the bridge at the time of the collision. The bridge collapsed spectacularly, falling into the water and onto the ship, which caught on fire. The FBI has stated that it has boarded the ship for “court-authorised” law enforcement activity relating to the collision. As of yet, no further information has been released by the agency.

Legal Action Launched

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has announced that the city is partnering with two law firms to launch legal action against all parties responsible for the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The city will take action against entities responsible, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and the manufacturer of the M/V Dali, among potentially liable third parties. The mayor has made a statement vowing to hold all parties accountable, and to continue supporting those affected by the tragedy.

Ship Owner and Charterer Respond to Investigation

The Dali is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd, and managed by Synergy Marine Group, both of Singapore. Danish shipping giant Maersk chartered the vessel to sail to Sri Lanka. Following the incident, both parties have released statements indicating that they are fully participating in the various ongoing investigations, including the FBI’s criminal investigation. The spokesperson for Synergy Marine Group has stated that in respect of ongoing investigations and any future legal proceedings, they are unable to comment further at this time.

Wreckage Clearance Ongoing

Work to clear the wreckage and restore traffic to the port’s shipping channel is ongoing. Safety investigators have recovered the ship’s “black box” recorder, which provides data on its position, speed, heading, radar, bridge audio and radio communications as well as alarms. The head of the US National Transportation Safety Board has also separately told Congress that its investigators have interviewed key cargo ship personnel as part of their investigation.

Originally Post From https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/15/fbi-launches-criminal-investigation-into-baltimore-bridge-collapse

FBI investigates Baltimore bridge collapse in criminal probe