'Preventable' Baltimore Key Bridge collapse prompts new NTSB safety push

Source: Scripps News

Posted 6:03 PM, Nov 18, 2025


Federal investigators on Tuesday detailed what led to the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge last year, killing six construction workers, and issued safety recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies.

The National Transportation Safety Board held a public hearing to present the findings from its investigation into the March incident, when the Dali cargo ship struck the bridge.

Investigators said the ship lost power twice as it approached the Key Bridge and operators were unable to regain control before the collision. They found the Dali lacked adequate safety systems that could have restored power more quickly and potentially avoided the crash.

As part of its new recommendations, the NTSB urged that vessels in critical channels — like Baltimore’s — be equipped with systems to prevent them from essentially becoming battering rams if power fails.

Read more: https://www.scrippsnews.com/us-news/preventable-baltimore-key-bridge-collapse-prompts-new-ntsb-safety-push