A misplaced wire label, the vulnerability of a bridge and other mishaps in protocols likely caused the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge after a large vessel struck it in the spring last year, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
WASHINGTON — A misplaced wire label, the vulnerability of a bridge and other mishaps in protocols likely caused the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge after a large vessel struck it in the spring last year, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
On Wednesday, the NTSB released a 259-page final report on the March 2024 incident, which details the events that could have caused an electrical blackout that led to the 213 million-pound cargo vessel veering and smashing into the bridge, killing six highway workers. The container ship Dali was leaving the Port of Baltimore and struck a pillar of the Key Bridge.Other contributing factors to the cause of the incident were the crew's inability to "recover propulsion from the loss of electrical power" and the limited time people could act due to the Dali's proximity to the bridge, the report said. There was also a lack of effective and immediate communications to notify the highway workers on the bridge to evacuate.The NTSB does not place blame but determines probable cause of transportation incidents. The final report on the incident was revised and issued recommendations finalized by the NTSB.At a public meeting in November, the NTSB said it believed a wire label was put in the wrong place on a signal wire when the ship was built. That wire label, identifying the line, kept the wire from getting a good connection in a circuit breaker – which in turn ultimately caused the first blackout.It's one of many probable causes determined by the agency after about 20 months of investigation. The NTSB will issue recommendations to certain groups involved or adjacent to the incident, but the groups are not required to take on these recommendations, just strongly encouraged.The loose wire would have been difficult to findThe improperly placed wire label was one of the key talking points among investigators during a public meeting in November. The wire label is a small silicone sheath made of thermoplastic material that was heat-shrunk around the wire.As a result, according to NTSB's investigator-in-charge Marcel Muise in November, the vessel lost steering, the ability to operate the bow thruster, key water pumps, and most of the vessel's lighting and equipment essential for operations. That first outage lasted 58 seconds.The crew onboard the Dali quickly found the tripped breaker, the NTSB said. Power came back within 58 seconds, but restarting a key pump that would have provided fuel to g
Traffic Weather Sports Classifieds Cars Jobs Homes Television Radio Salt Lake Utah Local Crime Local Technology Transportation
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Graffiti on US Marine Corps billboard sparks outrage in BaltimoreIn bold black letters, covering an image of several service members, was the word 'Nazi.'
Read more »
Bengals Throwing Back to 2021 With Uniform Choice for Sunday's Game Against BaltimoreBengals will wear white jerseys and orange helmets at home for first time since 2021
Read more »
Mobile Police chase ends with suspect's arrest in Baltimore St. areaA narcotics investigation in the Baltimore Street area near Taylor Park escalated into a police chase, ending on Kelly Street with the suspect's arrest Tuesday
Read more »
Video: Plane lands on vehicle during rush hour on interstateThe National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the plane lost power in both engines
Read more »
Corner Canyon students rally as team competes for national title in BaltimoreCLICK HERE to reach out to Mya with any story ideas or news tips.
Read more »
NTSB warns that defense bill could undermine aviation safety changes after DCA crashThe head of the NTSB is voicing strong opposition to provisions in the defense policy bill. The NTSB says the House bill would undermine safety improvements made after the mid-air collision near DCA.
Read more »