The Hidden Dangers Behind the Baltimore Bridge Crash

A loose wire on a cargo ship caused a power outage, leading to a catastrophic crash into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. This accident resulted in the deaths of six workers and shut down the port for months.

The Chain of Events

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that the ship, named the Dali, experienced two blackouts. The first was resolved, but the second occurred due to a fuel pump failing to restart automatically. A crew member had to navigate two decks in the dark to fix it. The NTSB acknowledged the crew's efforts but noted they didn't have enough time to prevent the crash.

Structural and Safety Concerns

The NTSB also highlighted that the bridge wasn't designed to withstand the impact of large ships like the Dali. They suggested that better safety measures could have prevented the collapse. The Maryland Transportation Authority blamed the ship's owners, but the NTSB indicated that the bridge's design also played a significant role.

Criticism and Accountability

The NTSB expressed frustration with the companies involved. They stated that the ship's operator, Synergy, failed to update its safety rules. The shipmaker, Hyundai Heavy Industry, refused to modify the ship's design, instead advocating for better crew training.

The Aftermath and Costs

The replacement cost of the bridge has doubled to between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion. The project is now expected to take until 2030. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized Maryland officials for the rising costs and delays.