Bridge collapse raises criminal and safety questions while the Port of Virginia handles diverted cargo.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A mangled mess sits atop the key bridge as investigators, piece by piece, are recreating the circumstances that led to the March 26 container ship crash and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Six construction workers were killed when the bridge collapsed in a matter of seconds.
According to the Washington Post, on Monday FBI agents boarded the ship to ask tough questions about whether the crew knew the vessel had potential mechanical problems that would have made it unsafe in the harbor. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R) of Virginia Beach is also concerned about theories on whether a ship could be used as a weapon.
“It was concerning. I know that that ship was in Hampton Roads at our port the day before. So of course, we’re concerned for the security of not only our port but for the Atlantic fleet that we that we home right there, you know, at the entrance to our port,” said Kiggans, a former Navy pilot.
Federal agents boarded the 985-foot Dali early Monday with search warrants that will allow them to collect ship data on what happened before during and after the fatal crash.
A recent New York Times report says Virginia is among the states that have deteriorated protection around critical bridges.
While the FBI reviews the facts, logistics experts are evaluating the parts and personnel needed to keep products moving. That’s where the Port of Virginia is playing a major role.
Port officials say for April the port will process an estimated 19-thousand containers of diverted cargo that will be moved by truck. Kiggans says Virginia is eager to help its neighbor to the north.
“So I’m thankful for the extra efforts at the port in Norfolk for taking up the slack. But of course, our job is to be mindful of security at the port site and know that they are already doing a good job,” Kiggans said.
This member of the Armed Services Committee calls for the protection of the region’s and the nation’s most critical assets.
“But perhaps this is just a reminder of just the importance that Hampton Roads plays our proximity to our East Coast Navy and that we always need to be mindful of making sure we have the right security measures in place to prevent anything like this from happening in the future,” Kiggans said.
To handle the additional cargo Virginia International Gateway and the Pinners Point container yard are now open at 3 am; that is three hours early. The facilities that normally close on weekends, now open at 7 am on Saturdays to handle the diverted cargo.
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