Federal law enforcement authorities are actively investigating the events that led to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The investigation is separate from the ongoing National Transportation Safety Board probe and is being conducted by Maryland’s U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. The FBI currently has agents on the Dali, the cargo ship that collided with the bridge, a significant development in the case. Six people are believed to have died as a result of the collision, and the investigation aims to determine accountability for the tragedy.
The Washington Post first reported the news of the federal investigation, which involves representatives from both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. A spokesperson for the FBI confirmed the presence of agents on the cargo ship Dali, conducting court-authorized law enforcement activities. The Justice Department also confirmed that federal agents are aboard the vessel. U.S. Attorney in Maryland, Erek Barron, released a statement emphasizing that his office will seek accountability for any threat to public safety or property, whether it be gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or other criminal activities.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed on March 26 after the Dali, a Singaporean-flagged cargo ship, crashed into a bridge column. The ship had reported losing power and that a collision was imminent before the crash occurred. Despite efforts to stop traffic on the bridge, eight construction workers were on the bridge at the time of the collision. Two workers were injured and survived, while the bodies of three others have been recovered. The fate of the remaining three workers is unknown, but they are presumed to be deceased. The investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances that led to the tragic collapse of the bridge.
Attorneys representing the corporation that owns the Dali have not responded to requests for comment from CBS News. The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to uncovering the truth behind the bridge collapse and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The investigation is a complex and ongoing process that involves examining various factors that may have contributed to the collision. As federal authorities continue their work, they are focused on ensuring justice for the victims and their families, as well as preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Robert Legare, a CBS News multiplatform reporter and producer covering the Justice Department, federal courts, and investigations, has been closely following the developments in the investigation. His reporting has provided valuable insights into the federal authorities’ efforts to determine the cause of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and hold accountable those responsible for the tragic incident. Legare’s work underscores the importance of thorough and transparent investigations in cases involving public safety and property, highlighting the dedication of law enforcement agencies to seek justice for the victims of such disasters.
