(NewsNation) — The FBI has opened a criminal investigation into the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to multiple reports.
The FBI told NewsNation on Monday that agents are aboard the cargo ship that crashed into the bridge “conducting court authorized law enforcement activity.”
“There is no other public information available and we will have no further comment,” an FBI spokesperson added.
U.S. Attorney for Maryland Erek L. Barron issued the following statement about the probe: “My office generally will not confirm the existence of or otherwise comment about investigations. However, the public should know, whether it’s gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible.”
The criminal probe comes as Baltimore’s mayor announced legal steps the city is taking following the collapse. Baltimore is partnering with national trial firm DiCello Levitt and Philadelphia law firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky Trial Lawyers to “take decisive action to hold responsible all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and the manufacturer of the M/V Dali, as well as any other potentially liable third parties.”
“This unthinkable tragedy has taken Marylanders from their loved ones, and risked the livelihoods of thousands of Baltimoreans who rely on the Port of Baltimore,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We are continuing to do everything in our power to support everyone impacted here and will continue to recognize the human impact this event has had. Part of that work needs to be seeking recourse from those who may potentially be responsible, and with the ship’s owner filing a petition to limit its liability mere days after the incident, we need to act equally as quickly to protect the City’s interests.”
On March 26, a shipping vessel named The Dali lost power on its way out of the Port of Baltimore and slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to crumble. Eight construction workers were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, and six members of the crew died.
Since the bridge collapse, the Baltimore port has been shut down. Federal transportation officials expect it to reopen by the end of May.
This is a developing story. NewsNation is still working to confirm additional details about the probe. Updates will be posted here.
