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 FBI confirmed on Monday that there were agents on the cargo ship on Monday, after The Washington 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 to The Hill.

“There is no other public information available, and we will have no further comment,” the FBI added.

The criminal investigation was first reported by the 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 AP, citing an anonymous source, reported later Monday that the ship had experienced apparent electrical issues before leaving port but set out anyway. The source told the AP that alarms went off on the ship’s refrigerated containers while it was still docked in Baltimore, which likely indicated an inconsistent power supply.

The source also said that the ship’s crew was aware of the problems and indicated they would be addressed, according to the news service.

Video of the incident suggests that the 985-foot container ship lost power before slamming into the Baltimore bridge on March 26, causing its collapse.

The National Transportation Safety Board has also launched a probe of the crash. Officials have said their investigation will include an inquiry into whether the ship experienced power issues before the crash. The board’s chair, Jennifer Homendy, said last week the investigation would focus on the electrical system generally. 

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Updated at 2:52 p.m. EDT