Investigators target ship's electrical system in Baltimore bridge collapse

11 Apr 2024 CW Team

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.

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