On Apr. 15, FBI agents boarded cargo ship Dali to begin a criminal investigation into the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The investigation seeks to determine whether there was any criminal wrongdoing involved in the collapse. 

     According to The Baltimore Sun, the Francis Scott Key Bridge took five years to build and on Mar. 26 it came crashing down in less than a minute. Shortly before 1:30 am ET a 984 foot long cargo ship crashed into a pillar of the bridge. The ship had been following the traditional route under the bridge when it suddenly veered of course. While approaching the bridge the ship began to face problems. The captain radioed to request the bridge be closed as they were approaching the bridge and had lost power. Shortly after the boat made contact with the bridge, sending it plummeting into the river below. 

     Almost immediately following the collapse rescue efforts began. First responders were critical in both minimizing lives lost and search efforts. Immediately after the boat radioed about the power loss, police officers shut down traffic across the bridge. Then discussions began about how to evacuate workers, before they could construct a plan, the bridge was hit and efforts turned to a rescue mission. With the help of dive teams, responders were able to save two workers and find another four dead. The remaining two are presumed to be dead. As devastating as the lost lives are, it is admirable that the death toll was kept to single digits.

     Now, a month later, efforts have turned from rescue to clean up and investigation. Leading the salvage efforts is the U.S Army Corp of Engineers. As of Apr. 24 1,300 tons of steel have been removed from the water (CBS News). Engineers are using floating cranes to lift steel and other rubble out of the water where it is then transported to a nearby facility to be recycled. In addition to the cleanup of the bridge, the ship also must be dealt with. The goal is to remove 140 containers for the ship so that it can float again.Currently all the workers are trapped on the ship and essentials must be transported to them as they do not have the appropriate visas to enter the country. Naval traffic has also been heavily impacted by this incident so crews are working to remedy the blockage and once again allow ships to pass. In the meantime three temporary channels have been built and, according to CBS News, 15 percent of the previous amount of commercial traffic is able to pass through the channel.  

     In addition to the FBI the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched its own investigation which focuses on the loss of power and failure of the electrical system. Baltimore City is also suing the ship for negligence as they are claiming they entered the Port of Baltimore despite knowing the ship was experiencing electrical issues. 

      The bridge collapse has been devastating to the economy and citizens of Baltimore and officials hope investigations may bring some comfort and closure to everyone.