FBI launches criminal investigation into Key Bridge collapse

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has formally launched a criminal investigation into the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

As previously reported on March 26, a container ship struck the bridge, killing six people and destroying the bridge — a key section of Interstate 695, refereed to by locals as ‘The Baltimore Beltway.’

Rescue crews searched for survivors as a construction crew fixing potholes on the bridge plunged into the chilly waters along with several vehicles.

The cargo ship directly struck one of the bridge’s supports, which caused the entire structure to “snap and buckle,” resulting in the bridge collapsing into the water in just seconds.

The Washington Post reported Monday, federal agents boarded the ship to conduct a search.

“The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity,” the agency said in a statement Monday morning to the Washington Post.

In response the U.S. Attorney for Maryland issued a statement.

“My office generally will not confirm the existence of or otherwise comment about investigations,” said Erek L. Barron, the U.S. attorney for Maryland.

“However, the public should know, whether it’s gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible.”

Attorneys representing the ship owners did not immediately respond to the Washington Post’s request for comment.