A loose electrical cable discovered on the cargo ship Dali may have caused the devastating Baltimore bridge collapse that claimed six lives.
At a Glance
- Investigators found a loose cable on the Dali, potentially causing electrical issues leading to power loss
- The ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in its collapse and six fatalities
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) documents reveal the loose cable triggered a blackout similar to the incident
- Engineers confirm the loose cable could create an open circuit and cause a power failure
Critical Discovery in Baltimore Bridge Collapse Investigation
In a significant development, investigators probing the Baltimore bridge collapse have uncovered a loose electrical cable on the cargo ship Dali. This finding could be the key to understanding the chain of events that led to the tragic incident on March 26, which resulted in the deaths of six roadwork crew members. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released documents detailing this crucial discovery, shedding light on the potential cause of the power failure that preceded the collision.
The loose cable was found in the second transformer and breaker system of the Dali. According to the NTSB documents, when disconnected, this cable triggered an electrical blackout similar to what the ship experienced as it approached the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This revelation suggests a possible link between the loose cable and the power loss that caused the ship to veer off course and strike the bridge.
Electrical System Malfunction and Expert Analysis
Engineers from Hyundai, the manufacturer of the ship’s electrical system, played a crucial role in the investigation. They confirmed that the loose cable could create an open circuit and cause a blackout. To further validate this theory, the Hyundai engineers conducted a simulation by disconnecting the cable, which indeed resulted in a power failure.
“It’s pretty clear that they think they’ve found an issue that could cause a blackout,” said Tom Roth-Roffy, a former National Transportation Safety Board investigator who focused on maritime investigations.
Roth-Roffy also highlighted the challenges in detecting such issues, given the complexity of ship systems and constant vibrations. “To say that this should have been detected is probably true but somewhat unrealistic,” he said. “But the ship’s crew has ultimate responsibility for the proper maintenance and operation of the ship.”
Timeline of Events and Ongoing Investigation
The incident unfolded when the Dali experienced a power outage while still docked in Baltimore. This initial blackout was reportedly caused by a crew member mistakenly closing an exhaust damper during maintenance. Before departure, crew members switched the ship’s electrical configuration from one transformer and breaker system to another. It was in this second system that the loose cable was discovered.
As part of their thorough investigation, NTSB officials removed a terminal block from the electrical system for additional testing. The documents released also included various certificates attesting to the Dali’s general condition and compliance with maritime safety regulations.
While these findings provide crucial insights, it’s important to note that the NTSB has not yet released its final analysis or conclusions. The investigation continues, with the ultimate goal of preventing similar tragedies in the future and ensuring the safety of our nation’s infrastructure and maritime operations.
As we await the final report, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of rigorous maintenance and safety protocols in both maritime and infrastructure sectors. The loss of six hardworking Americans underscores the real-world consequences of oversights in these crucial areas.
