NTSB Investigation Reveals Dual Electrical Failures Caused Baltimore Bridge Collapse

A massive cargo ship lost power twice before crashing into a Baltimore bridge. The incident caused the bridge’s collapse and killed six people. Federal safety officials confirmed these findings on Tuesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) led the investigation. According to the NTSB, a loose wire caused the first blackout on the ship, named the Dali. This critical failure set the disastrous chain of events in motion.

Sequence of Failures Led to Catastrophe

The crew managed to restore power after the initial blackout. Then a second, more critical failure occurred. A maintenance fuel pump, which does not restart automatically, failed to supply the generators.

This forced a crew member to attempt a manual restart. They had to navigate two decks in complete darkness. The ship was left without propulsion and steering control.

Safety Recommendations and Broader Industry Impact

The NTSB highlighted missed opportunities to prevent the disaster. Investigator Todd Gianelloni stated that infrared thermal imaging could have spotted the faulty wire. This technology is common in the maritime industry but was not used.

The board expressed frustration with the response from companies involved. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy questioned why the ship operator, Synergy, had not updated its safety policies. The board also criticized the shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industry, for resisting engine reconfigurations.

The Baltimore bridge collapse exposes urgent safety gaps for bridges worldwide. Vessels are now significantly larger and pose greater risks than when many bridges were designed.

Info at your fingertips

What caused the Dali ship to lose power?

The first blackout was caused by a loose electrical connection. The second occurred because a maintenance fuel pump failed and could not restart automatically, cutting power to the engines.

How many people died in the bridge collapse?

Six construction workers were killed. They were filling potholes on the bridge during an overnight shift when it fell into the river.

Could this disaster have been prevented?

The NTSB suggests it might have been. Using infrared scans could have found the faulty wire. Better fuel system design and updated bridge protections were also cited as key factors.

What is the new cost to rebuild the bridge?

Maryland officials now estimate the cost between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion. The projected completion date has been pushed back to 2030.

Was bad fuel the cause of the accident?

No. The NTSB confirmed that the ship’s fuel was not a problem. The failure was purely due to electrical and mechanical issues within the vessel’s systems.