Maryland Reaches $2.25 Billion Settlement on Key Bridge Collapse as Justice Department Files Charges Against Ship Operator
Maryland has reached a $2.25 billion settlement with the owner and operator of the Dali cargo ship following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The incident, which occurred on March 26, 2024, resulted in the deaths of six construction workers and significant economic losses due to the closure of Baltimore's port for two months. The Justice Department has filed criminal charges against the ship's operator, Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., and an employee, Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, for conspiracy to defraud the U.S., obstruction, and providing false statements. The charges allege that the ship's safety inspections were forged, and the ship was falsely claimed to be in good working order. The collision's aftermath has caused an estimated $5 billion loss, and a new bridge is expected to open by 2030. 
