Maryland files lawsuit against ship owner and manager responsible for Key Bridge collapse

The recent legal troubles facing the owner and operator of the container ship Dali, which caused the deadly collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, have brought to light the serious consequences of maritime negligence. The state of Maryland has taken action by filing a lawsuit against the ship’s owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and manager, Synergy Marine Group, alleging that they knowingly sent an unseaworthy ship into U.S. waters.

The collapse of the bridge resulted in the tragic deaths of six construction workers, prompting their families to also file lawsuits against the companies. The U.S. Department of Justice has provided detailed accounts of the mechanical and electrical failures on the Dali, highlighting the dangerous conditions that the crew faced.

FBI agents have launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collapse, further underscoring the severity of the situation. The owners have expressed their intention to defend themselves in court, but the state of Maryland is seeking punitive damages and compensation for the cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has had far-reaching consequences, impacting commercial shipping traffic through the Port of Baltimore and causing significant financial losses. The state is determined to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that Marylanders are not left to bear the burden of the negligence and incompetence that led to this tragedy.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it is clear that the repercussions of the Dali’s destruction of the Key Bridge will be felt for years to come. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding safety standards in the maritime industry and holding all parties accountable for their actions.

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Maryland Approves $50.3M Contract for Cleanup of Bridge Collapse Debris

In the aftermath of the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, the state government moved swiftly to approve a $50.3 million emergency contract with Swedish construction company Skanska USA Civil Southeast Inc. for debris removal. While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers handled the debris in the federal channel, Skanska was selected to clear other channels to allow for salvage and commercial vessels to safely navigate.

Despite criticism from the Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Bruce Gartner defended the emergency no-bid contract, emphasizing the need for expediency in such a critical situation. Competitive bidding would have significantly delayed the process, further disrupting economic activity through the vital Port of Baltimore.

Governor Wes Moore underscored the importance of rebuilding the bridge, not just for nostalgia but out of necessity for Maryland’s and the national economy. With a projected cost of $1.7-$1.9 billion for a new bridge, the state aims to complete construction by the fall of 2028. President Joe Biden’s administration has pledged a 100% federal cost share for the project, demonstrating bipartisan support for the crucial infrastructure rebuild.

The collapse of the bridge, which resulted in the tragic loss of six construction workers, serves as a somber reminder of the importance of maintaining and investing in critical infrastructure. As Maryland moves forward with the reconstruction efforts, the focus remains on the essential role the Port of Baltimore plays in facilitating economic activity across the country.

With the approval of the emergency contract and federal assistance, Maryland is taking significant steps towards rebuilding a key component of its infrastructure. The cooperation between government entities, construction companies, and federal support sets the stage for a successful and timely reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

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Officials from Maryland Announce Timeline and Cost Estimate for Rebuilding Bridge

Maryland to Rebuild Francis Scott Key Bridge After Tragic Collapse

Maryland officials have announced plans to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge within the next four years, following a tragic collapse that resulted in the deaths of six workers. The estimated cost for the reconstruction project is between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with a new span expected to be completed by the fall of 2028.

The recovery efforts at the collapse site have been ongoing, and authorities recently recovered the body of a fifth victim, identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez. The victims of the collapse were all Latino immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, who came to the United States seeking a better life.

In response to the incident, the state of Maryland has filed claims against the bridge’s insurance policy, with a $350 million payout from Chubb expected to be the first of many. The salvage teams are also working tirelessly to clear the wreckage from the collapse site, with plans to refloat and remove the Dali container ship that has been stationary since the incident.

The salvage and demolition crews are focused on freeing the ship from the steel span that fell on its bow, allowing it to be guided back to the Port of Baltimore. A controlled demolition is scheduled to break down the largest remaining span, with a massive hydraulic grabber in operation to lift the steel sections onto barges.

Overall, the state and the involved parties are working diligently to address the aftermath of the collapse and ensure the safety of maritime traffic through the Port of Baltimore. The rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a pivotal step towards restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of all those who utilize the bridge in the future.

As the recovery efforts continue, our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families, as well as the brave individuals working tirelessly to restore the bridge and the impacted area. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of the reconstruction project and the recovery efforts at the collapse site.

©2024 The Canadian Press

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