Justice Department Seeks $100 Million from Companies in Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Federal Complaint Filed Against Vessel Operators Weeks After Criminal Charges

The Justice Department announced on Tuesday that it had filed a civil lawsuit against the two companies that owned and operated the ship that crashed into a Baltimore bridge and caused it to collapse in 2021. The lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages, alleging that the companies were negligent in their operation of the vessel and failed to take proper precautions to prevent the accident.

Vessel Operators Face Criminal Charges

The civil lawsuit comes just weeks after federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against the ship's captain and first mate, accusing them of negligence and misconduct. The charges allege that the captain was operating the vessel under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the accident and that the first mate failed to take proper lookout.

Lawsuit Alleges Negligence and Failure to Comply

The Justice Department's civil lawsuit alleges that the companies that owned and operated the vessel were negligent in several ways. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that the companies:

Failed to properly train and supervise the ship's crew.

Failed to equip the vessel with proper safety equipment.

Failed to follow proper navigation procedures.

The lawsuit also alleges that the companies violated federal regulations by operating the vessel without a valid certificate of inspection.

Companies Face $100 Million in Damages

The Justice Department is seeking $100 million in damages from the companies. The damages would be used to compensate the victims of the bridge collapse and to cover the costs of cleanup and repairs.

Bridge Collapse Caused Extensive Damage

The collapse of the Baltimore bridge caused extensive damage to the city's infrastructure. The bridge was a major transportation artery, and its collapse disrupted traffic and commerce for months. The collapse also caused significant damage to nearby businesses and homes.

City Officials Welcome Lawsuit

City officials have welcomed the Justice Department's lawsuit. They say that the lawsuit will help to hold the companies that owned and operated the vessel accountable for their negligence.

The lawsuit is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse. The outcome of the lawsuit could have a major impact on the companies that owned and operated the vessel, as well as on the victims of the collapse.