FBI Launches Criminal Inquiry Into Baltimore Bridge Disaster

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated a criminal investigation into the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that the investigation will examine the events leading to the collapse and whether federal regulations were adhered to.

“The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity,” announced the agency in a statement on Monday.

This investigation runs concurrently with another inquiry by the National Transportation Safety Board, which is looking into the electrical power system of the ship Dali.

The ship's voyage data recorder indicated that its power failed for a brief duration of one minute and three seconds as it neared the bridge. It also recorded that the lead pilot attempted to avoid a collision by dropping the port anchor to pivot the 300-meter-long vessel.

The FBI's investigation is reportedly centered on whether the crew of the Dali was aware of any mechanical or electrical issues before departing the port, which eventually led to the bridge's destruction on March 26, resulting in the tragic deaths of six roadwork crew members.

To date, divers have recovered three bodies from the underwater debris, while three other victims remain missing.