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.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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
Real Estate

AGM Vijaylaxmi launches Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark

AGM Vijaylaxmi Group has launched Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark, a mixed-use commercial development in Goregaon East, Mumbai. The project includes contemporary office spaces and a high-street retail component designed to support businesses, retailers and professionals.Located along the Western Express Highway, Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark is planned as a G+25-storey commercial tower. It offers office spaces ranging from 545 sq ft to 3,200 sq ft, with a 3.60 metre floor-to-floor height aimed at improving spatial comfort, natural light and operational efficiency.The project features a high-street retail boulevard ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Manglam Group to Develop Sheraton Hotel in Jaipur

Manglam Group has signed an agreement with Marriott International to develop a Sheraton hotel on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway in Jaipur. The project will feature 220 keys and is being developed with an investment of around Rs 3.5 billion across more than 300,000 sq ft.The hotel marks Manglam Group’s third collaboration with Marriott International and forms part of its Rs 10 billion hospitality investment roadmap. The agreement was signed by Amrita Gupta, Director, Manglam Group and CEO, Manglam Spa and Resorts, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding Greater China, Marriott Interna..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Warehousing Show 2026 opens at YashoBhoomi

India's warehousing, logistics, and supply chain ecosystem came together as the 15th edition of India Warehousing Show (IWS) 2026 opened at YashoBhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi on June 25 (Thursday). Organised by RX India, the three-day event will run from 25-27 June 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology providers, and supply chain professionals under one roof. It also features a two-day knowledge conference that will run alongside the exhibition. Inaugurated by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary - Logistics, DPIIT..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement