Baltimore, MD – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has unveiled their preliminary findings regarding the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse incident that shook Baltimore in March.

The report delves into the events surrounding the collision involving the cargo vessel, The Dali, and its impact on the Francis Scott Key Bridge. According to the NTSB, the incident occurred on March 26, 2024, around 1:29 am, as the 947-foot-long Singapore-flagged cargo vessel was departing from Baltimore Harbor. It encountered a sudden loss of electrical power and propulsion, leading to a collision with the southern pier supporting the central truss spans of the bridge.

Sequence of Events

The NTSB’s report outlines the sequence of events that led to the catastrophic collapse. It details how a portion of the bridge collapsed into the river, with sections of the deck and truss spans collapsing onto The Dali’s forward deck. Tragically, seven road maintenance crew members from Brawner Builders, under contract with the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), and one inspector from Eborn Enterprises, Inc., a subconsultant to the MDTA, were on the bridge at the time of the collision.

Cause of the Collapse

Investigators discovered that a crew member aboard The Dali inadvertently closed an exhaust damper, leading to an engine stall approximately ten hours prior to departure. This initial power outage foreshadowed the disaster to come. The vessel experienced another power failure, ultimately colliding with the bridge support beam. While the inspector managed to escape unharmed, one construction crew member sustained serious injuries, and tragically, the bodies of six crew members were recovered from the wreckage.

Impact and Casualties

The report indicates that one of the 23 individuals aboard The Dali suffered injuries during the collision. Furthermore, the US Coast Guard has classified the incident as a major marine casualty, emphasizing the severity of the event. The NTSB has taken the lead in investigating the safety protocols and circumstances surrounding the collapse.

Conclusion

The preliminary report released by the NTSB sheds light on the tragic events leading to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. As investigations continue, it is imperative to prioritize safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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