The FBI has opened a criminal investigation into the fatal collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The investigation is focusing on the circumstances that led to the accident and whether all federal laws were followed by the crew of the vessel responsible.
ABC News cites a source as saying the bureau is investigating possible criminal wrongdoing, centering on whether crew members were aware of any problems the ship might have had before leaving port.
The report appears to suggest some concerns about potential negligence when, on March 26, the massive container ship Dali lost power and struck a support column on the bridge, causing it to collapse.
The tragic event caused the death of six workers.
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The FBI is now investigating the Baltimore bridge collapse
This investigation is separate from the National Transportation Safety Board investigation. The NTSB is primarily looking into it As the ship lost power and collided with the bridge.
The FBI was present aboard the cargo ship Dali and was carrying out court-authorized law enforcement activities. The agency did not comment further on the investigation.
🚨 #BREAK: FBI OPENS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO BALTIMORE BRIDGE COLLAPSE
The investigation will reportedly look in part at whether the crew left port KNOWING that the ship had “serious systems problems,” according to two U.S. officials.
pic.twitter.com/DQLRsBj1UL— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 15, 2024
The Daily Mail indicates that the crew remains on board as FBI agents were seen arriving at the vessel this morning.
They are reportedly investigating “whether the Dali’s 22-person crew knew they had serious systemic problems before leaving the Maryland port.”
There is no indication that the criminal investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse involves any intentional acts by the crew. Nor is there any indication that they are trying to hack into the ship’s systems.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is also calling on outside companies to “hold accountable all entities responsible for the Key Bridge tragedy.”
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Impact of bridge collapse
The Port of Baltimore, where the bridge is located, is a major commuter port. It is one of the most active in the United States.
Initial reports suggested that the collapse would result in the loss of nearly $15 million in daily economic activity due to the accident.
Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge after its collapse could take 18 months to several years.
The cost of reconstruction is estimated to be at least $400 million, but could be more than double that amount.
Times and costs depend on various factors. Such factors include the design of the new bridge, the efficiency of government officials in managing the bureaucracy of approving permits and awarding contracts, and the speed of clearing debris and canals to resume marine traffic.
President Biden visited the site of the bridge collapse in early April and said taxpayers would foot the bill.
During his visit, Biden said it is his “intention that the federal government pay the entire cost of rebuilding that bridge.”
According to the Daily Mail, the criminal investigation will be overseen by the US District Attorney’s Office in Maryland.
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