FBI opens criminal investigation into Baltimore bridge collapse: Report
The FBI has opened a criminal investigation into the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge late last month, which left six roadwork crew members dead, The Associated Press reported, citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter.
The AP reported that the investigation is focused on the circumstances leading up to the bridge’s collapse and whether all federal laws were followed.
The criminal investigation was first reported by The Washington Post, which cited two U.S. officials familiar with the matter who spoke anonymously. The Post reported that the probe would look into whether the massive container ship that struck the bridge left the port knowing it had serious problems.
The FBI confirmed to the AP and the Post Monday that there were agents on the cargo ship on Monday, after the Post reported that federal agents appeared to board the ship and conduct a search.
“The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity,” the FBI said in a statement, the AP and Post reported.
The Hill has reached out to the FBI for confirmation.
The investigation comes after a 985-foot container ship lost power and slammed into the Baltimore bridge on March 26, causing its collapse.
The National Transportation Safety Board has also launched a probe of the crash.