Federal Probe Focuses On Electrical System In Bridge Collapse

Containers are crushed as wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rests on the container ship Dali, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Following the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, federal investigators are honing in on the electrical power system of the container ship involved in the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board is actively collecting data with the assistance of Hyundai, the manufacturer of the ship's equipment, particularly focusing on the engine room and circuit breakers.

According to NTSB Chair, the ship experienced power issues just before the crash, as seen in videos showing lights flickering on and off. Information from the vessel’s voyage data recorder is limited, making the examination of the engine room crucial for the investigation.

Investigators are also looking into the bridge design and exploring ways to enhance pier protection based on current standards. The container ship Dali, en route to Sri Lanka from Baltimore, collided with a supporting column of the bridge, leading to its collapse into the Patapsco River and resulting in the tragic deaths of six roadwork crew members.

Three bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, while three others remain missing. Efforts are underway to clear sections of the fallen bridge and unload containers from the Dali to open a temporary shipping channel by late April, allowing increased commercial traffic through the port of Baltimore.

Hyundai assisting in data collection on ship's equipment.

NTSB investigating ship's power issues before crash.

Bridge design and pier protection under scrutiny.

Dali ship collision led to bridge collapse in Patapsco River.

NTSB investigators have conducted interviews with the ship’s pilots and crew members to gather more insights into the events leading up to the crash. A preliminary report on the incident is expected to be released early next month.

The timeline leading to the crash indicates that alarms went off less than an hour after the Dali departed from Baltimore’s port, followed by steering commands and rudder orders. The ship lost all power as it approached the bridge, leading to a collision captured in recordings around 1:29 a.m.

While federal and state officials have labeled the incident as an accident, the ongoing investigation aims to uncover the root causes behind the tragic bridge collapse and prevent similar occurrences in the future.