FBI Launches Criminal Investigation into Baltimore Bridge Collapse

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated a criminal investigation into the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, which resulted in the tragic deaths of six construction workers. The investigation aims to determine the precise cause of the disaster and whether any criminal negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the collapse.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the commencement of a criminal investigation into the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, which claimed the lives of six construction workers on March 26, 2023. The investigation seeks to ascertain the exact cause of the tragedy and explore whether any criminal negligence or wrongdoing may have played a role.

The FBI's involvement in the probe underscores the severity of the incident and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation. The agency's expertise in complex criminal cases and its access to advanced investigative techniques will be invaluable in unraveling the circumstances leading to the bridge's collapse.

In a separate development, crews in Baltimore are poised to employ precision explosives to remove a sizable section of the collapsed bridge that is currently resting atop the container ship Dali. This controlled demolition is intended to free the vessel from the wreckage and clear the channel for maritime passage.

The demolition process involves carefully placing small charges within strategic locations on the bridge's steel structure. These charges will create precise cuts, fragmenting the large piece of the bridge into smaller, more manageable pieces. Cranes and barges will then be utilized to remove these pieces from the Dali, allowing the vessel to be safely extracted from the channel.

Officials emphasize that the controlled demolition will be conducted with the utmost precision to minimize risks to personnel and ensure the efficient and safe clearance of the channel for the Port of Baltimore. The demolition sequence will produce puffs of smoke and sounds akin to fireworks, but hearing protection is advised for those within proximity to the site.

Crews are prepared to operate in inclement weather conditions within limits, but lightning and strong winds may necessitate a shift in the demolition schedule. Additionally, cranes are being used to reposition heavy objects on the Dali to ensure its stability once the large bridge section is removed.

The FBI's criminal investigation is ongoing, and the agency is working closely with local and state authorities to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The investigation will focus on identifying any potential violations of federal law or criminal negligence that may have contributed to the bridge collapse.

The findings of the FBI's investigation will be critical in determining liability and ensuring that those responsible for the tragedy are held accountable. The investigation will help to prevent similar incidents in the future by identifying systemic issues or safety lapses that may have contributed to the collapse.

The FBI's criminal investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse is a significant step towards unraveling the truth behind this tragic event. The agency's expertise and thorough investigation will provide valuable insights into the cause of the collapse and whether any criminal wrongdoing played a role. The precision demolition operation to clear the channel will pave the way for maritime traffic to resume, while the ongoing criminal investigation will seek justice for the victims and their families.