US gets $100m settlement for Baltimore bridge collapse

In a significant incident that has drawn attention, the owners of a container ship named the Dali have been ordered to pay over $100 million to the US government following a tragic collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. This unfortunate event occurred on March 26, resulting in the loss of six lives and the release of tons of debris into the Patapsco River. The US justice department announced this settlement, which comes after a month-long civil lawsuit against the companies that own and operate the Dali, namely Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited. The justice department described the collision as 'one of the worst transportation disasters in recent memory,' highlighting the severity of the incident. The financial settlement will be directed to the US Treasury and other federal agencies that were directly impacted by the crash or involved in the response efforts. Brian Boynton, who leads the civil division of the justice department, expressed that this outcome is a significant achievement as it ensures that the United States is compensated for the expenses incurred while responding to this disaster. He emphasized that it also holds the owner and operator of the Dali accountable for their actions. However, it is important to note that this settlement does not cover the costs associated with the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, as the state of Maryland has filed its own claim for those damages. A spokesperson for Synergy Marine stated that the settlement strictly pertains to costs related to clearing the shipping channel and does not imply any admission of liability on their part. They clarified that no punitive damages have been imposed as part of this agreement. The US government attributed the cause of the incident to failures in the ship's electrical and mechanical systems, alleging that the Dali was not adequately maintained. This lack of maintenance led to the ship losing power and crashing into a bridge column. Tragically, the six individuals who lost their lives were construction workers who were on the bridge at the time, working to fix potholes. The collision not only resulted in fatalities but also sent a significant amount of debris into the river, causing major disruptions at one of the busiest ports in the United States. The aftermath of the crash saw a coordinated effort involving numerous federal, state, and local agencies to remove approximately 50,000 tonnes of steel, concrete, and asphalt from both the shipping channel and the Dali itself. The bridge collapse had far-reaching consequences, leading to what has been described as 'economic devastation' as shipping operations were halted. The Port of Baltimore, a crucial hub for commercial navigation, was closed for several months but eventually reopened in June. Additionally, the incident blocked a vital route for local commuters, further complicating the situation for residents in the area.