Revisiting the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse: Investigations and Costs Surge

Tue Nov 18 2025 18:33:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Maryland officials double the cost estimate for rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the National Transportation Safety Board prepares to vote on the probable cause of the collapse which claimed six lives in 2024. The discussion comes amid revelations about the ship's mechanical failures leading to the disaster.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is set to vote on its findings concerning the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which occurred after a cargo ship, the Dali, lost power and struck one of the bridge's supports, resulting in six fatalities. Maryland officials have announced a staggering increase in the cost of replacement, which now stands between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, pushing the expected completion date to 2030. Investigations revealed that the ship had previously experienced power failures due to a loose cable, contributing to the disastrous crash.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The National Transportation Safety Board is preparing to vote on findings regarding the tragic crash of a massive container ship, the Dali, into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. This incident resulted in the bridge collapsing and claimed the lives of six construction workers in March 2024.

In conjunction with the NTSB's upcoming vote, Maryland officials have announced a shocking increase in the estimated cost for the bridge’s replacement to between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, from an initial estimate of approximately $1.9 billion. Additionally, the completion date has been pushed back to 2030, further complicating the state’s infrastructure plans.

Governor Wes Moore attributed the heightened costs and delays to rising national economic conditions and increased material costs, along with more stringent federal design and resilience requirements.

Investigators previously found that a loose cable on the Dali triggered a sequence of power failures that led to the ship veering off course before striking the bridge. This cable issue caused an electrical blackout similar to one encountered as the Dali approached the bridge.

On the night of the accident, as the 947-foot cargo ship left Baltimore bound for Sri Lanka, its steering failed due to a power loss, resulting in a catastrophic impact with a supporting column of the bridge.

The aftermath of the incident saw significant disruptions in commercial shipping traffic through the Port of Baltimore. The bridge, a crucial transportation corridor built in 1977, has been under scrutiny for its structural safety and vulnerability to maritime accidents.

As investigations continue and the rebuilding process looms, the NTSB's findings and recommendations may influence how similar infrastructures are managed to prevent future tragedies.