FBI Opens Criminal Probe into Collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

Published: 15 April 2024 at 14:11

Politics

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, caused by a cargo ship crashing into one of its supports, led to a criminal investigation by the FBI. Six workers died in the incident. Salvage crews are working to clear the wreckage and the bridge remains on top of the cargo ship. President Joe Biden visited the area, promising support to Maryland. The National Transportation Safety Board interviewed the cargo ship personnel. The goal is to open a limited-access channel by the end of April for container ships.

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Sonar Images Capture Sunken Remains of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore After Collapse

New sonar images released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers show the sunken remains of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, with plans to remove the bridge wreckage by the end of April to create a Limited Access Channel for larger ships. Salvage crews are working to remove containers from the stricken M/V Dali cargo ship that caused the collapse. President Joe Biden visited the site and pledged federal funding for building a new bridge. The bodies of the three missing construction workers have been recovered, with six fatalities in total.

Baltimore Shipping Lane to Reopen by May After Bridge Collapse

Maryland Governor Wes Moore confirms the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aims to reopen the channel leading to the Port of Baltimore by the end of May following a container ship crash into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in late March, killing six workers. President Biden promises federal support for rebuilding the bridge. Baltimore businesses, heavily reliant on the port, face disruptions with vessel traffic suspended, impacting cargo operations and local employment. Relief funding and low-interest loans are being provided to affected businesses,

Salvage Crews Begin Removing Containers from Cargo Ship That Collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

Salvage crews have commenced the process of removing containers from the deck of the cargo ship that caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Workers are utilizing exothermic cutting torches to dismantle the steel frame. Maryland Governor Wes Moore discusses the ongoing work at the bridge collapse site and the final day of the state's legislative session. Response crews are seen removing shipping containers from the cargo ship Dali using a floating crane barge at the bridge site.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says aggressive timeline to reopen channel after bridge collapse is realistic

By Kaia Hubbard April 7, 2024 / 3:15 PM EDT / CBS News Washington Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said on Sunday that an "aggressive timeline" outlined by President Biden to reopen the channel to normal maritime operations after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last month is "realistic," noting that it's going to be a "24/7 operation" to return it to full functioning by the end of May. "It is an aggressive timeline, but we are going to work around the clock to make sure that we hit this timeline," Moore said on "Face the Nation" on Sunday. The governor said he's been "amazed" by the work so far, with channels having been opened up for some ships just in less than two weeks since the bridge's March 26 collapse , which occurred when a Singapore-flagged container ship struck one of the bridge's main supports. "We have now moved hundreds of tons out of the river," Moore said, noting that in just the last few days, crews have removed tons of debris from the river equivalent to the weight of the Statue of Liberty.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse (Wikipedia)

On March 26, 2024, at 01:28 EDT (05:28 UTC), part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, collapsed after the container ship Dali struck one of its support pillars.Baltimore City Fire Department stated that at least seven vehicles fell into the water. Two people were recovered from the river; one was not injured while the other was transported to hospital in critical condition, and at least seven people are believed missing.

Baltimore bridge collapse: Six people missing after cargo ship hits bridge

A cargo ship named Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore causing a section to collapse into the water, with six construction crew members missing and eight initially unaccounted for. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, all 22 crew members on the ship are safe, and dramatic footage shows vehicles falling from the bridge.

Baltimore bridge collapse victims remembered in vigil as one more body is recovered

A vigil was held in honor of the victims of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore where six workers died after a cargo ship struck the bridge. Three bodies have been recovered, including Maynor Suazo-Sandoval, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, and Dorlian Castillo Cabrera. Artist Roberto Marquez created a memorial with six wooden crosses for the victims and painted their names at the site. Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott expressed condolences to the families affected and President Joe Biden visited the collapse site to offer support.

Investigation Focuses on Electrical System of Ship in Baltimore Bridge Crash

Federal safety investigators are honing in on the electrical power system of the container ship involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse. The National Transportation Safety Board is examining the ship's power issues before the crash and requesting data from Hyundai, the manufacturer. Investigators are also looking into the bridge design for better pier protection. Maryland Governor Wes Moore aims to open a temporary shipping channel by late April and calls for bipartisan support for a new bridge construction. The probe includes interviews with the ship's crew, and a preliminary report is expected early next month.

Recovery Efforts at Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Site Reach Critical Step

Recovery efforts at the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse site have reached a critical step as crews started removing shipping containers from the vessel Dali to access a key portion of the roadway. The Unified Command, consisting of first responders and agencies, is working to reopen the waterway. Three out of six workers' bodies have been found, and the ship's relocation is crucial to reopening the port and rebuilding the bridge, which carried 34,000 vehicles daily.

Container ship loses power near New York City less than two weeks after the Baltimore bridge collapse

A container ship, the APL Qingdao, lost propulsion near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York City but was assisted to safety by tugboats, belonging to the French shipping company CMA CGM. This incident occurred less than two weeks after a similar situation caused the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. The ship left New York Harbor after repairs and inspection. The maritime expert John Konrad highlighted the importance of Vessel Traffic Services in New York in preventing a disaster like the one in Baltimore, where six construction workers were killed in the bridge collapse.

US Army works to clear debris after cargo ship collision with Baltimore bridge

US Army Colonel Estee Pinchasin is leading the operation to clear the debris left by the collision of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge with the cargo ship Dali, which resulted in six worker fatalities and significant damage. Multiple agencies, including the US Army Corps of Engineers and Navy, are involved in the effort to reopen the shipping channel and remove the wreckage, which is crucial for the port's operations that support key industries like steel, aluminum, and automotive manufacturing.

Francis Scott Key Bridge (Wikipedia)

Francis Scott Key Bridge, Key Bridge, or FSK Bridge can refer to:Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore), a bridge that previously carried Interstate 695, which crossed the outer harbor of Baltimore, MarylandFrancis Scott Key Bridge collapse, a 2024 incident involving the Baltimore bridgeFrancis Scott Key Bridge (Washington), a bridge carrying U.S. Route 29 which crosses the Potomac River between Washington, DC and Arlington, Virginia

Bridge Collapse in Baltimore Leaves Crew of Container Ship Stranded

The container ship Dali remains stuck under the fallen Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore after colliding with it, causing the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River. The crew of 21 individuals, mainly from India and Sri Lanka, are still onboard, engaged in normal ship duties and assisting investigators while awaiting permission to disembark. The crew, covered by an ITF contract, faces uncertainty about when they can leave Baltimore, with concerns about supplies and mental well-being as the investigation continues.

Baltimore Bridge Collapse Update: Third Construction Worker's Body Recovered

The body of the third construction worker, 38-year-old Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, was recovered from the Patapsco River after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed condolences and support for the families of the victims. Six workers were killed in the collapse, with three bodies now recovered. Salvage teams are working to find the remaining missing workers.

Legislation unveiled to fund reconstruction of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge after collapse

Members of Congress from Maryland introduced the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act to have the federal government cover 100% of the cost for replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge that collapsed last month. The bill aims to reopen the Port of Baltimore shipping channel with a new bridge for modern-day commerce and travel needs. President Biden supports the federal government covering the entire cost of reconstruction, with $60 million in emergency relief funding already released. The total cost of the rebuilding effort remains uncertain, prompting concerns among lawmakers about approving additional federal funds upfront.

US President Joe Biden pledges to help rebuild collapsed bridge with union labour and American steel

President Joe Biden visited the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore and expressed his commitment to assist in rebuilding it using union labour and American steel, reassuring residents of his support.

Cargo Ship Pilot Tried to Pivot Ship Before Baltimore Bridge Crash

A pilot on board the cargo ship that crashed into the Baltimore bridge attempted to swing it clear of a collision by dropping its port anchor. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will interview the pilots involved. The US Coast Guard confirmed the container ship's engines had routine maintenance. The ship's voyage data recorder (VDR) showed a brief power failure before the collision. The VDR recorded the ship's departure, route, and pilot's steering commands leading up to impact.

Maryland Governor Signs PORT Act Providing Economic Support and Education Funds for Bridge Collapse Victims' Families

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade (PORT) Act to aid families of victims from the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, providing economic relief for affected workers and education funds for their children. The bill includes scholarships of up to full in-state tuition for eligible students, support for roadside workers' families, and increased fines for speeding in work zones. The legislation aims to honor the victims' contributions and sacrifices, with private charities like Kids Chance offering additional aid. Governor Moore and state lawmakers acted swiftly to address the national catastrophe, securing federal funding for cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

Salvage Operation Underway for Collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

The U.S. Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command and Supervisor of Salvage and Diving released sonar images of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, with plans for a challenging salvage operation. Six construction workers died in the collapse, with one body recovered and three still missing. The Navy divers captured sonar images 50 feet below the river's surface, showing the metal framework under the mudline. The salvage effort involves clearing debris, removing a cargo ship, and creating a shipping lane by April's end, aiming to restore vital activity to the Port of Baltimore by May. Laser and sonar technologies are crucial in the recovery process.

Francis Scott Key Bridge (Baltimore) (Wikipedia)

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, known originally as the Outer Harbor Crossing until it was renamed in 1976, while still under construction, or simply as the Key Bridge or Beltway Bridge, was a steel arch continuous through truss bridge spanning the lower Patapsco River and outer Baltimore Harbor / Port carrying Maryland Route 695 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. The main span of 1,200 feet (366 m) was the third longest span of any continuous truss in the world. It was the second-longest bridge in the Baltimore metropolitan area, after the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. On March 26, 2024, at 01:28 a.m. EDT (UTC–4), the bridge partially collapsed after the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali collided with one of its support pillars.The bridge was opened on March 23, 1977, named for amateur poet Francis Scott Key (1779–1843), the author of the American national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner". The bridge was the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor, two tunnels and one bridge. Upon completion, the bridge structure and its approaches became the final links in Interstate 695, the "Baltimore Beltway", completing a two decades long project. Despite the I-695 signage, the bridge was officially considered part of the state highway system and designated Maryland Route 695.The bridge was 8,636 feet (2,632 m) long and carried an estimated 11.5 million vehicles annually. It was a designated hazardous materials truck route, as HAZMATs are prohibited in the Baltimore Harbor and Fort McHenry tunnels.The Key Bridge was a toll facility operated by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). As of July 1, 2013, the toll rate for cars was $4.00. The bridge was part of the E-ZPass system and included two dedicated E-ZPass lanes in its toll plaza in both the northbound and southbound directions. In April 2019, MDTA announced that the bridge would become a cashless toll facility by October 2019. With this system, customers without E-ZPass would pay using video tolling. Cashless tolling began on the bridge on October 30, 2019.The bridge was partially destroyed on March 26, 2024 when the container ship Dali crashed into a support pillar, leading to the complete failure of the bridge's center span.

Key Bridge (Washington, D.C.) (Wikipedia)

The Key Bridge, is a six-lane reinforced concrete arch bridge conveying U.S. Route 29 (US 29) traffic across the Potomac River between the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington County, Virginia, and the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Completed in 1923, it is Washington's oldest surviving road bridge across the Potomac River.Key Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Small Business Administration Offers Assistance After Bridge Collapse in Maryland

The Small Business Administration is providing low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to small businesses in the Mid-Atlantic region affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman expressed condolences for the lives lost and highlighted support for local businesses during the economic disruption. The declaration covers Maryland, the District of Columbia, and contiguous counties. Eligibility for the loans is based on financial impact rather than physical property damage, with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for nonprofit organizations.

Plane crashes near Nashville interstate, killing all five people aboard

A single-engine plane crashed near Interstate 40 in Nashville, killing all five people on board after experiencing emergency engine and power failure. The aircraft crashed behind a Costco store, leading to a fireball explosion. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the crash, with no injuries to drivers on the interstate. Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed the fatalities, and the eastbound lanes of I-40 were temporarily closed for the investigation.

Dashcam video shows moment plane crashes onto Florida highway, killing two pilots

Newly released dashcam footage shows a plane crashing onto a crowded Interstate 75 in Naples, Florida, after losing both engines, killing both pilots. The video shows the plane skidding across the roadway before hitting a wall and bursting into flames. Three other people on board survived the crash. The plane, a Bombardier Challenger 600, had been traveling from Columbus, Ohio, to Naples Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.

United Airlines jet incident in Houston

A United Airlines jet slid off a taxiway in Houston after the captain reported less effective brakes and violent shaking of the plane and brake pedals. The pilots were uncertain about ground conditions and made a landing on a taxiway causing heavy damage to the plane's left main landing gear. Fortunately, no passengers or crew members were hurt in the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident without stating a reason yet, which is part of a series of incidents involving United Airlines recently.

Plane crash in Nashville, Tennessee kills five, including three Canadian children

A tragic plane crash occurred in Nashville, Tennessee, resulting in the deaths of five Canadian citizens, including three children. The pilot, in a distressing call to air traffic controllers, stated, "I won't make it," before the aircraft plummeted. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident where the plane lost power on its return to John C Tune Airport after circling at 2,500 feet for unknown reasons. Authorities are puzzled by the circumstances leading to the crash.