Key Crew Interviewed in Wake of Baltimore Bridge Crash

During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, reported that interviews with key personnel involved in the March 26 Baltimore bridge disaster are underway.

The incident involved the Dali cargo ship colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in its collapse into the harbor and the deaths of six individuals. Efforts to remove the debris and reopen the Mid-Atlantic state's vital shipping route are ongoing.

Homendy confirmed that the investigative team had remained at the crash site, conducting interviews with the ship's pilots, the second officer—who was on watch during the incident—and other essential crew members, along with U.S. Coast Guard officials.

The NTSB has successfully retrieved data from the ship's voyage data recorder and has engaged the equipment manufacturer in the engine room to scrutinize the electrical power system. Additionally, the agency is examining the circuit breakers and has conducted tests on the ship’s fuel.

Investigators are also assessing the original design of the bridge and contemplating how it would be constructed under current standards. Homendy announced that a preliminary report is expected in the first week of May. "We are still on scene collecting information. We have a lot of work ahead," she remarked.

At the same hearing, the leading Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Ted Cruz, advocated for federal involvement in funding the bridge's reconstruction. "I think the federal government needs to help to rebuild the bridge," Cruz stated.

He suggested that due to the likely protracted nature of upcoming legal battles, it would be practical for federal taxpayers to advance the funds now, with legal safeguards ensuring reimbursement.