The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reportedly launched a criminal probe into last month's collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The investigation will focus on whether the crew departed the port knowing the Singapore-based cargo ship had system issues, violating federal maritime law. The March 26 crash killed six members of a repair crew and halted shipping traffic in the Port of Baltimore (see previous write-up).
In related news, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) yesterday announced legal action against the ship’s owner, charterer, operator, and manufacturer. The FBI investigation is separate from a probe by the National Transportation Safety Board, which is focusing on the vessel’s electrical power system. Attorneys representing three of the construction workers involved said they are also pursuing legal action.
The ship’s owners filed a court petition last month to limit their liability from the crash. See how a 173-year-old maritime law could determine who owes what.
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