Transportation safety officials have identified 68 bridges in the U.S. that require evaluation for potential risks of collapse due to ship collisions. This follows an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore last year, where a container ship, the Dali, struck a bridge pillar, leading to the deaths of six construction workers. The NTSB’s preliminary report indicated that the Dali experienced a catastrophic electrical failure before the incident, and that the Key Bridge had a risk assessment nearly 30 times above acceptable levels, a fact that was not detected by Maryland transportation authorities.
The NTSB recommendations urge bridge owners to conduct vulnerability assessments and propose risk reduction plans for bridges built similarly to the Key Bridge before 1991. Notable bridges listed for review include the Golden Gate Bridge and several others across various states. Additionally, the NTSB is calling for collaboration among federal agencies to assist bridge owners in evaluating risks.
As investigations continue, eight crew members of the Dali remain in Baltimore as part of ongoing inquiries. While no charges have been filed against the crew, there are queries regarding their reporting of vessel malfunctions. The ship’s owner reached a settlement of nearly $122 million with the U.S. Department of Justice due to negligence claims related to the ship’s maintenance, highlighting issues with electrical systems that contributed to the disaster. The city of Baltimore has also initiated legal actions against the involved companies. The Dali has since returned to service following repairs.
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