Loose wire on ship may have led to Baltimore bridge collapse, report says

A critical investigation into the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge has identified a loose wire on the Dali container ship as the likely cause of the disaster. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed during a recent hearing that the ship experienced a power outage moments before crashing into the bridge, leading to the tragic deaths of six construction workers. The incident, which occurred on March 26, 2024, also caused several vehicles to plunge into the icy waters of the River Patapsco. NTSB engineer Scott Parent stated that had the workers been notified of the ship’s deviation from its course, they might have had approximately 89 seconds to evacuate, potentially saving their lives. The collision not only disrupted operations at the Port of Baltimore but also severed a major interstate roadway. Initial repair estimates of $1.9 billion have now ballooned to $5 billion, with completion expected by 2030. Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized the challenges posed by rising costs but reaffirmed the state’s commitment to rebuilding the bridge.