Destruction of Baltimore bridge: US sues ship firms for $100m
According to the Justice Department, the companies responsible, Synergy and Grace Ocean, were fully aware of the problems with the vessel, the Dali, before it lost power and struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26.
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The U.S. government has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the owner and operator of a cargo ship that crashed into a Baltimore bridge, leading to significant damage and loss of life.
According to the Justice Department, the companies responsible, Synergy and Grace Ocean, were fully aware of the problems with the vessel, the Dali, before it lost power and struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. The collision resulted in the deaths of six people.
The crash caused between 3,000 and 4,000 tonnes of debris to fall into the Patapsco River, halting operations at the Port of Baltimore.
Officials estimate that it cost more than $100 million to clear the debris and restore port access.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that those responsible for the accident should bear the financial burden, not American taxpayers. He added that any funds recovered from the lawsuit would be used for reconstruction efforts.
In the days following the crash, the bodies of six workers who had been repairing potholes during an overnight shift were found in the Patapsco River. Three of their families announced on Monday that they were suing Grace Ocean.
The lawsuit, filed in Maryland’s district court, claims that the Dali's electrical and mechanical issues were not properly maintained, making the incident "entirely preventable."
