FBI Launches Criminal Investigation into Baltimore Bridge Collapse
BALTIMORE — A criminal investigation has been initiated by the FBI following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which claimed the lives of six individuals. Sources close to the matter disclosed this information to the BBC’s US partner CBS.
The investigation will delve into the circumstances leading up to the catastrophic incident, which occurred when the bridge was struck by the massive container ship, Dali. Federal agents have been on-site since the bridge collapse on March 26, the sources revealed.
In a statement released on Monday, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice (DoJ) confirmed the FBI’s presence aboard the cargo ship Dali for authorized law enforcement activities.
No further details regarding the investigation will be made public at this time, the spokesperson added.
Erek Barron, the US Attorney in Maryland assisting in the FBI probe, emphasized the commitment to holding individuals accountable for threats to public safety or property, whether it be gun violence, civil rights violations, financial fraud, or other offenses.
The FBI’s investigation is distinct from the ongoing inquiry being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The 47-year-old bridge collapsed when the 948ft (289m) cargo ship Dali collided with it, causing eight maintenance workers on the bridge to plunge into the Patapsco River.
As of now, three bodies have been recovered, while three others are presumed to be deceased. Two individuals were rescued immediately following the bridge collapse.
A collaborative salvage operation involving the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and Maryland authorities is currently underway to retrieve parts of the bridge and locate the remaining victims.
Investigators have also retrieved the data recorder from the Dali ship, with hopes that it may shed light on the power failure that led to the collision with the bridge.
Initial reports indicate that the ship was traveling at a speed of eight knots, or roughly 9mph (15 km/h).
Jennifer Homandy, the NTSB’s lead investigator, is exploring the possibility of contaminated fuel contributing to the ship’s loss of power.
Prior to the bridge collapse, a distress signal was issued as the ship approached, allowing authorities to prevent vehicles from entering the bridge.
The incident resulted in the temporary closure of the Port of Baltimore, a vital transportation hub for vehicles in the US. However, two alternative routes have since been established to facilitate ongoing salvage efforts. — BBC
