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In the early hours of March 26, 2024, a catastrophic event unfolded at Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the container ship Dali, responsible for the collapse, lost power twice before striking a pillar, leading to a tragic outcome.
The Dali, a 984.3-foot-long Singapore-flagged cargo vessel, experienced two blackouts due to electrical breaker trips while transiting out of Baltimore Harbor. This resulted in the bridge collapsing into Baltimore Harbor, claiming the lives of six construction workers.
The final missing worker's body was recovered on May 7, concluding a harrowing search and bringing a somber closure to the incident⁷. The initial damage estimates to the vessel and the bridge exceed $500,000, and the accident has been classified by the US Coast Guard as a major marine casualty.
The NTSB's preliminary report revealed that about 10 hours before leaving port, the Dali experienced a blackout during maintenance. A second blackout occurred due to insufficient fuel pressure in one of the ship's generators. These power losses were critical in the events leading up to the disaster.
Maryland officials have released a timeline and cost estimate for rebuilding the bridge, with plans to construct a new span by fall of 2028 at an estimated cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion. The Key Bridge Response Unified Command has been coordinating the recovery efforts and providing support to the impacted families and workers.
Six members of a roadwork crew lost their lives in this tragedy. They were part of a community of Latino immigrants who came to the United States seeking a better life. The victims hailed from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, reflecting the diverse fabric of those who build and maintain our infrastructure.
Governor Wes Moore expressed his condolences, acknowledging the profound loss experienced by the families and the community. He emphasized the need for comfort and healing, recognizing the significant impact of the bridge's collapse.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on preventing such tragedies in the future and honoring the memories of those who were lost.
