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9/13/2024
The National Transportation Safety Board this week released its docket as part of the agency's ongoing investigation into the Dali containership crash into, and subsequent collapse of, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.
Early on March 26, the Dali experienced two unexpected electrical blackouts before the ship slammed into the bridge, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River at the Port of Baltimore. When the bridge collapsed, an eight-member crew working on the roadway over the bridge fell into the river; six crew members died as a result.
The NTSB's preliminary report indicated that a primary electrical breaker that feeds most of the ship's equipment and lighting unexpectedly tripped, causing the ship to lose electrical power. The main propulsion diesel engine shut down automatically, and the vessel's propellers stopped. The ship's crew was able to restore its power, and the senior pilot ordered the anchor dropped. Then, the second blackout occurred.
A marine radio call was made to warn all waterborne traffic before the Dali hit the bridge, according to the report. After the Dali's starboard bow struck Pier No. 17 of the Key Bridge, six spans of the bridge collapsed into the water and across the ship’s bow.
The NTSB-led investigation focuses on evaluating the Dali's power distribution system and assessing bridge protection measures.
The bridge collapse and subsequent closure of the port prompted CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway to work with customers, the Port of Baltimore and state officials to respond to shipment delays. Both Class Is provide intermodal service from the port, which is one of the largest in the United States.