Charges have been filed in the U.S. in connection with the Baltimore bridge collapse – ABC News
U.S. federal authorities have filed criminal charges against two foreign companies and a technical specialist in connection with the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in 2024. Those named in the case include companies from Singapore and India, as well as a representative of the vessel Dali.
ABC News reported this on May 13.
The container ship Dali, registered in Singapore, was en route to Sri Lanka when, on March 26, 2024, it lost power twice and crashed into the bridge in Baltimore. As a result of the accident, part of the bridge collapsed, and six construction workers who were on the structure were killed.
The U.S. Department of Justice stated that the actions of those involved in the case caused not only the destruction of the bridge but also massive economic consequences for the region. According to investigators’ estimates, the economic losses from the disaster amount to at least $5 billion.
“The criminal conduct led to the collapse of the Key Bridge, crippled the regional economy, and claimed the lives of six Maryland residents,” the indictment states.
U.S. prosecutors allege that the ship’s operators made modifications to the Dali power system and used equipment that was not designed to automatically resume operation after a power outage. Specifically, this refers to the fuel pump supplying the ship’s generators. According to the investigation, after the second blackout, the system was unable to restart the engines, causing the crew to lose control of the ship.
The U.S. Department of Justice also stated that if the proper equipment had been used, the ship could have restored power and safely passed under the bridge. Additionally, investigators claim that the defendants in the case provided false testimony during the investigation.
Synergy Marine Pte Ltd has already responded to the charges, stating that it is “deeply disappointed” by the actions of U.S. prosecutors.
Company representative Darrell Wilson emphasized that the findings of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, as well as materials provided to the government, “refute the allegations of misconduct by the Dali’s crew.” The company also stated that it intends to vigorously defend itself in court and utilize all available legal mechanisms.
Read also: A 17-year-old boy died in a traffic accident involving a drunk driver in Kyiv
Earlier, the case of a judge from Kryvyi Rih who struck an 11-year-old boy on a crosswalk was referred to court. The child sustained severe injuries and remains in critical condition.
In the Cherkasy region, three people were killed and two others were injured in a collision between two cars. The injured were hospitalized, and the police are investigating the causes of the accident.
