DOJ charges Singapore shipping company for deadly Baltimore bridge collapse

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed criminal charges against the Singaporean shipping company Synergy Marine Community for its alleged responsibility in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimorea tragedy that occurred in March 2024 that left six Hispanic workers dead and paralyzed one of the most important maritime routes in the country for weeks.

Federal indictment alleges company operated Dali container ship under unsafe conditions and that he also falsified inspection records and withheld key information from US authorities after the accident.

According to prosecutors, the ship suffered two blackouts in a period of just four minutes before hitting one of the bridge’s support structures, causing the infrastructure to collapse and several vehicles to fall into the Patapsco River during the early hours of March 26, 2024.

“The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a preventable tragedy with enormous consequences,” said Acting District Attorney Todd Blanche. in a statement released this Tuesday. The official assured that the case seeks to establish responsibilities for “reckless negligence” in matters of maritime safety.

Prosecutor’s Office points out mechanical failures and cover-up

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation concluded that the Dali lost power due to a faulty cable Already problems in a fuel pump used by the crew to power the ship’s generators.

Court documents state that the vessel was not authorized to operate with that system, because the pump used could not automatically restart after a blackout. Prosecutors argue that if the proper fuel and system had been used, the ship would have regained power before impact with the bridge.

Additionally, the indictment alleges that Synergy Marine employees had long known about fuel pump failures and took steps to conceal the problem on both the Dali and other vessels in the fleet..

The ship’s technical supervisor, Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, also faces criminal charges related to conspiracy, obstruction of justice and negligent conduct resulting in death.

In response, the company denied the accusations and assured that it will defend its actions in court. In statements sent to American and British media, Synergy described the process as an attempt to “criminalize a tragic accident” and stated that the accusations “are baseless.”

The collapse left a million-dollar economic impact

The collapse of the bridge not only left fatalities, but also generated severe economic consequences for Maryland and the logistics chain on the east coast of the United States.

The Port of Baltimore remained partially blocked for weeks, affecting the movement of goods, vehicles and containers in one of the country’s busiest maritime hubs..

State officials estimate that rebuilding the bridge could cost between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, while full reopening to traffic is not expected until the end of 2030.

In parallel with the criminal proceedings, Maryland reached a $2.25 billion civil settlement with Synergy Marine Community to resolve claims related to environmental damage, loss of toll revenue and economic impacts resulting from the disaster.

The Dali’s owner also previously paid more than $100 million to the Department of Justice to settle federal civil claims, in addition to another $350 million paid to the Maryland state’s insurer.

As investigations and legal proceedings continue, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains one of the most costly and devastating maritime accidents recorded in the United States in recent decades.

Keep reading:

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• Dali container ship that destroyed Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore is towed away