The FBI has launched a criminal investigation into the fatal collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The investigation focuses on the circumstances leading up to the incident and whether the crew responsible followed all federal laws.
ABC News quoted sources as saying the bureau was investigating any potential criminal conduct, with a focus on whether the crew was aware of any problems the ship might have encountered before leaving port.
The report appeared to hint at concerns about possible negligence when the massive Dali container ship lost power and hit a bridge support column on March 26, causing the bridge to collapse.
The tragic incident resulted in the death of six workers.
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FBI investigating Baltimore bridge collapse
The investigation is separate from that of the National Transportation Safety Board. NTSB main investigation how The ship lost power and collided with the bridge.
The FBI has been conducting court-authorized law enforcement activities aboard the Dali. The agency has not commented further on the investigation.
🚨 #break in: FBI opens criminal investigation into Baltimore bridge collapse
The investigation is part of an investigation into whether the crew left port knowing the ship had “serious systemic problems,” according to two U.S. officials.
pic.twitter.com/DQLRsBj1UL— Nick Sorter (@nicksortor) April 15, 2024
The Daily Mail noted that the crew was still on board as FBI agents arrived on the ship earlier today.
They are reportedly investigating “whether the 22 crew members of the Dali knew there were serious systemic problems before they left the Maryland port.”
There is no indication that the criminal investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse involves any intentional action by the crew. There is also no indication that they are investigating a hack of the ship’s systems.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also called 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 an important commuter port. It is one of the busiest cities in the United States.
Early reports indicate the collapse will cost the economy nearly $15 million in daily economic activity.
Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge after its collapse could take anywhere from 18 months to several years.
Reconstruction costs are estimated to be at least $400 million, but could be more than twice that amount.
Timetable and cost depend on a variety of factors. Those factors include the design of the new bridge, the efficiency of government officials in the bureaucracy that approves permits and awards contracts, and the speed with which debris can be removed and channels cleared to resume maritime 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 he “intends to have the federal government pay for the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge.”
According to the Daily Mail, the criminal investigation will be overseen by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
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