(Rightallegiance.com) – The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last month, following a collision with the cargo ship M/V Dali, has now become the subject of a federal criminal investigation led by the FBI. This development was revealed by senior law enforcement officials and first reported by The Washington Post.
On Monday, FBI agents executed search warrants aboard the 985-foot Singapore-flagged vessel, confirming their presence and actions as part of “court authorized law enforcement activity,” according to a statement from the Baltimore FBI office. The investigation focuses on the sequence of events leading up to the departure of the ship from the port and whether the crew was aware of any mechanical issues that could render the ship unfit for navigating the harbor.
The probe aims to gather physical evidence and electronic data that might illuminate what occurred in the moments immediately before, during, and after the Dali struck the bridge. The impact, which occurred at 1:28 a.m. on March 26, resulted in the bridge’s dramatic collapse into the Patapsco River, an event tragically captured on a livestream showing vehicles on the bridge seconds before disaster struck.
Adding to the complexity of the incident, it was noted that just minutes before the collision, the ship’s lights went out and were followed by the emission of dark black smoke from its chimney. The ship then made a noticeable turn, and its lights flickered back on moments before crashing into a bridge support pillar.
The incident had immediate and severe repercussions. At the time of the crash, maintenance work was being conducted on the bridge, and the collision led to a significant rescue operation with six people initially reported missing. Three bodies were later recovered, and three others remain unaccounted for, presumed dead.
In response to the catastrophe, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced that the city is preparing to take legal action against those deemed responsible for the bridge collapse. This includes the ship’s owner, charterer, and operator, along with the manufacturer of the vessel and possibly other involved parties. The Mayor emphasized the city’s commitment to “mitigate the immediate and long-term harm caused to Baltimore City residents” and to seek accountability through legal channels.
This tragic event has not only caused local disruption but also has broader implications. President Joe Biden has highlighted the importance of the Port of Baltimore, noting its key role in the Northeast’s economy and its status as a major hub for automobile imports and exports. He assured the public that efforts to rebuild the bridge would be expedited to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.
Furthermore, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has joined the investigation, signaling the high priority and complex nature of understanding and addressing the factors leading to the bridge’s failure. As these investigations continue, the community and the nation await answers to prevent such disasters in the future and ensure the safety of vital infrastructure.