A small wire label on the cargo ship Dali has been identified as a key factor in a tragic accident. This incident occurred on March 26, 2024, when the Dali crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the circumstances leading to this catastrophic event.
NTSB Investigation Findings
During a public meeting held by the NTSB, it was revealed that the label, which was incorrectly placed, had a significant impact on the ship’s performance. This mislabeling prevented an effective connection in a critical circuit breaker, resulting in the ship losing both engine and electrical power.
According to Marcel Muse, the investigator in charge at the NTSB, this initial blackout lasted 58 seconds. The crew managed to reset the breaker during this time. However, a manual restart of a key fuel pump was required to avoid a further power loss, which did not happen. Consequently, a second blackout occurred just as the vessel was nearing the bridge.
Chain of Events Leading to the Crash
- Initial engine failure due to incorrect wire labeling.
- Pilot attempts to regain control were unsuccessful within a short distance from the bridge.
- The vessel had experienced two prior blackouts earlier that day, one caused by crew error.
Bridge Risk Assessment Issues
The NTSB’s findings also highlighted a critical risk factor regarding the Key Bridge. It was determined that the bridge faced a risk level nearly 30 times greater than acceptable standards for critical infrastructures. Shockingly, this high-risk assessment had never been evaluated prior to the incident.
The Maryland Transportation Authority, responsible for the bridge, failed to conduct necessary vulnerability assessments. The NTSB pointed out that numerous other bridges, built before 1991, also lack current evaluations. Among these are the Golden Gate Bridge and several major bridges within New York City.
Projected Costs for Bridge Replacement
In light of the incident, the estimated cost to replace the Key Bridge has surged significantly. The Maryland Transportation Authority now anticipates expenses between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion. This is a substantial increase from the earlier projected cost of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion.
The completion of the new bridge is expected by late 2030, reflecting a delay of two years from previous estimates. The NTSB aims to finalize its report detailing the crash’s causes and recommend necessary improvements to prevent future accidents.
