Families of Key Bridge victims seek justice after Baltimore collapse

In March, the cargo ship Dali lost power and struck a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, leading to a tragic collapse that killed six road workers. The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the ship's owner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and manager, Synergy Marine Group, seeking to recover over $100 million for cleanup costs incurred after the incident. The lawsuit claims that the ship's electrical and mechanical systems were poorly maintained, resulting in the accident, which was described as entirely avoidable. The collapse severely disrupted commercial shipping traffic through the Port of Baltimore, with the channel only reopening fully in June. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the lawsuit aims to ensure that the financial burden of the cleanup does not fall on taxpayers but rather on the responsible companies. The companies involved have sought to limit their legal liability, indicating the potential for a significant legal battle ahead. Families of the victims, all Latino immigrants, have expressed their intent to hold the ship's owner and manager accountable for the disaster. They are also advocating for improved workplace protections, particularly for immigrant workers, highlighting the need for better safety measures in hazardous work environments. The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by workers in such situations and the responsibilities of companies to ensure their safety. As the legal proceedings unfold, various parties, including city officials and local businesses, have filed claims against the companies, accusing them of negligence. This case could become one of the most expensive marine casualty cases in history, reflecting the serious implications of the bridge collapse on both human lives and the local economy.