15 April 2024 , 11:43
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The FBI has launched a criminal investigation into the huge container ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last month, causing it to collapse and leaving six people dead.
The probe will set out to determine whether the ship's crew left the port with the knowledge the vessel had serious system problems, two US officials familiar with the matter told The Washington Post. The officials revealed authorities are currently reviewing the events leading up to the moment the Dali lost power while leaving the Port of Baltimore and crashed into one of the Bridge's key support pillars before the structure went tumbling into the river below.
“The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorised law enforcement activity,” the agency said in a statement Monday morning. The FBI refused to comment on the investigation.
READ MORE: Bakery worker recalls 'eerie' feeling after crossing Baltimore bridge just moments before collapse
The incident left six construction workers dead (Getty Images)The investigation will be overseen by the US district attorney's office in Maryland. In a statement, Erek L. Barron, the U.S. Attorney for Maryland, said: “My office generally will not confirm the existence of or otherwise comment about investigations."
State of emergency declared over bridge collapse amid 'mass casualty event'
But he added: “However, the public should know, whether it’s gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible.”
On March 26 cargo ship the Dali collided into the bridge after losing power. Terrifying video footage captured the moment the enormous structure fell into the water in a matter of seconds.
The ship issued a mayday call before the deadly crash (Getty Images)Six construction workers who had been fixing potholes on the bridge when it collapsed died during the incident. Two other workers were rescued from the water. Divers have recovered the bodies of three of the six workers while the three remaining victims are yet to be found.
The Dali's crew made a mayday call moments before the fatal crash, which allowed authorities to block vehicles from crossing the bridge. As the vessel neared the bridge, puffs of black smoke could be seen as the lights flickered on and off.
The FBI's investigation comes as a separate federal probe has already been launched. During the initial stages of the probe investigators have been focusing on the electrical power system of the massive container ship.
Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said her agency is gathering data with assistance from Hyundai, the manufacturer of equipment in the ship’s engine room. Testifying before a US Senate committee on April 10, she said investigators have also requested assistance to examine its circuit breakers.
“That is where our focus is right now in this investigation,” she said. “Of course, that’s preliminary. It could take different roads, different paths as we continue this investigation.”