Justice Department Brings 18 Charges Over 2024 Baltimore Bridge Collapse, Citing $5 Billion Damage
Updated
Updated · NBC News · May 12
Justice Department Brings 18 Charges Over 2024 Baltimore Bridge Collapse, Citing $5 Billion Damage
14 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 12
Federal prosecutors charged Synergy Marine Pte Ltd, Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd and superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair over the Dali crash that killed six workers when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed.
Prosecutors said the 900-foot cargo ship lost power twice on March 26, 2024, and alleged the defendants altered the vessel so it could not regain power after the second blackout in time to avoid the bridge.
The 18 counts include conspiracy, misconduct or neglect of ship officers resulting in death, obstruction, false statements and failing to promptly alert the Coast Guard to a known hazardous condition.
The companies also face pollution-related misdemeanor charges tied to debris, cargo and oil released into the Patapsco River; the Justice Department put total economic damage at more than $5 billion.
Nair, 47, is believed to be in India, and prosecutors said they will use available law-enforcement tools to bring him to the U.S. as bridge reconstruction continues after the port shutdown.
Beyond massive fines, will any individuals be jailed for the six deaths in the Key Bridge disaster?
Can a 170-year-old law shield a ship's owners from billions in claims for the Baltimore bridge collapse?
With rebuild costs soaring past $5 billion, who will ultimately foot the bill for Baltimore's new bridge?