Investigators target ship's electrical system in Baltimore bridge collapse
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Investigators target ship's electrical system in Baltimore bridge collapse

During the early stages of a federal investigation into the tragic collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, the focus of investigators shifted towards the electrical power system of the immense container ship that deviated from its intended course.

Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, mentioned that their agency was in the process of collecting data with the assistance of Hyundai, the manufacturer responsible for the equipment within the ship's engine room. Speaking before a US Senate committee, she mentioned that investigators had also requested help to examine its circuit breakers.

She stated, "Our current focus in this investigation is directed towards that aspect. However, it's important to note that this is preliminary. The investigation might take different directions as we proceed."

Homendy emphasised their scrutiny on the electrical system, noting that the ship encountered power problems just before the accident, as seen in videos showing intermittent loss and restoration of its lights.

Information retrieved from the vessel's voyage data recorder was described as rather basic by Homendy, who expressed hope that data from the engine room would provide significant assistance.

Furthermore, investigators were evaluating the bridge's design and contemplating potential enhancements in pier protection "according to contemporary standards," Homendy added.

Last month, the container ship Dali, fully loaded with cargo en route to Sri Lanka, was departing Baltimore when it collided with one of the bridge's supporting columns. This collision led to the collapse of the span into the Patapsco River, resulting in the tragic deaths of six members of a roadwork crew who fell into the river.

While divers have recovered three bodies from the submerged wreckage, the fate of the remaining three victims remains unknown.

During the early stages of a federal investigation into the tragic collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, the focus of investigators shifted towards the electrical power system of the immense container ship that deviated from its intended course. Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, mentioned that their agency was in the process of collecting data with the assistance of Hyundai, the manufacturer responsible for the equipment within the ship's engine room. Speaking before a US Senate committee, she mentioned that investigators had also requested help to examine its circuit breakers. She stated, Our current focus in this investigation is directed towards that aspect. However, it's important to note that this is preliminary. The investigation might take different directions as we proceed. Homendy emphasised their scrutiny on the electrical system, noting that the ship encountered power problems just before the accident, as seen in videos showing intermittent loss and restoration of its lights. Information retrieved from the vessel's voyage data recorder was described as rather basic by Homendy, who expressed hope that data from the engine room would provide significant assistance. Furthermore, investigators were evaluating the bridge's design and contemplating potential enhancements in pier protection according to contemporary standards, Homendy added. Last month, the container ship Dali, fully loaded with cargo en route to Sri Lanka, was departing Baltimore when it collided with one of the bridge's supporting columns. This collision led to the collapse of the span into the Patapsco River, resulting in the tragic deaths of six members of a roadwork crew who fell into the river. While divers have recovered three bodies from the submerged wreckage, the fate of the remaining three victims remains unknown.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

-->