NTSB Identifies Loose Wire as Cause of Baltimore Bridge Collapse

A loose electrical wire on the cargo ship Dali led to power failures that caused the vessel to collide with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, resulting in six fatalities, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The NTSB's investigation revealed that the Dali experienced two electrical blackouts due to the loose wire, leading to a loss of propulsion and steering. This loss of control caused the ship to strike the bridge, leading to its collapse and the deaths of six construction workers.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that the tragedy was preventable and emphasized the need for improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation also highlighted that the bridge's design lacked redundancy, making it vulnerable to such collisions. The NTSB recommended that bridge owners conduct vulnerability assessments and implement protective measures to enhance structural resilience.

Additionally, the NTSB found that the lack of effective communication to notify highway workers of the impending collision contributed to the loss of life. The agency recommended improvements in communication protocols to ensure timely warnings in emergency situations.