Baltimore leaders accuse cargo ship company of ‘negligence’ after Key Bridge collapse

BALTIMORE, Md. (DC News Now) — Baltimore leaders are taking the owner and manager of the ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March to court.

The bridge collapsed after the container ship Dali hit it. Six construction workers who were on the span at the time of the collision fell into the Patapsco River and died.

Additionally, the incident had an immediate impact on traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore. Since then, officials have been able to open up three temporary channels for traffic.

Body of 4th worker recovered, identified after Key Bridge collapse

According to court documents, the Baltimore mayor and city council are accusing the ship’s owner, manager and crew of negligence. They say all parties should have known whether the Dali was in good shape to travel before leaving the Port of Baltimore.

The documents state: “Petitioners’ negligence caused them to destroy the Key Bridge, and singlehandedly shut down the Port of Baltimore, a source of jobs, municipal revenue, and no small amount of pride for the city of Baltimore and its residents.”

Families of the construction workers who died are looking at holding the cargo ship company responsible for the incident and their relatives’ deaths, as well.

Virginia, DC ready to help after Baltimore bridge collapse

Days after the collapse, the cargo ship company filed a petition for limited liability for the collapse. It’s asking for a cap of $43.6 million dollars.

As far as when a bridge will be in place to cross the river again and open, it will be at least several months.

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