FROM SOUTH BALTIMORE. STATE OFFICIALS POINT OUT THAT THE LAWSUIT AND REBUILDING THE BRIDGE ARE ON SEPARATE TRACKS. AS FAR AS THE LAWSUIT, THEY SAY, LEAVING MARYLANDERS ON THE HOOK TO PAY FOR THIS TRAGEDY CANNOT AND WILL NOT STAND. THIS MAKES THE WHOLE BRIDGE JUST FELL DOWN. THE LAWSUIT DOES NOT CONTAIN A DOLLAR FIGURE FOR DAMAGES. INSTEAD, THE STATE HAS A LAUNDRY LIST OF CATEGORIES WHOSE COSTS ARE STILL BEING ANALYZED. THE GOAL TO HOLD A DALI OWNER AND OPERATOR ACCOUNTABLE. THE STATE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO HOLD THOSE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS CRISIS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. THE LAWSUIT CONTENDS THE COLLAPSE OF THE KEY BRIDGE WAS PREVENTABLE. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BLAMES THE ACCIDENT ON NEGLIGENCE FOR EXAMPLE. THE LAWSUIT INCLUDES PHOTOS LIKE THIS ONE, SHOWING THE DALI CREW’S MAKESHIFT EFFORT TO LIMIT VIBRATIONS TO A TRANSFORMER, WHICH IS TIED TO THE VESSEL’S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, COULD ONLY HAVE HAPPENED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING, AND PERHAPS EVEN THE APPROVAL OF THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF THAT SHIP. THE DALI LOST POWER THREE TIMES BEFORE CRASHING INTO THE KEY BRIDGE. IT CAUSED THE SHIP TO LOSE PROPULSION AND STEERING CAPABILITIES. IN ADDITION TO PUNITIVE DAMAGES, THE STATE IS SEEKING COMPENSATION FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BRIDGE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE. DEMOLITION BENEFITS PAID TO AFFECTED WORKERS, AND BUSINESSES LOST REVENUES, INCLUDING TOLLS, FEES AND TAXES, AND COSTS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND PENALTIES. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHIP AND OPERATOR ISSUED A STATEMENT WRITING THE OWNER AND MANAGER WILL HAVE NO FURTHER COMMENT ON THE MERITS OF ANY CLAIM AT THIS TIME. BUT WE DO LOOK FORWARD TO OUR DAY IN COURT TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. A KEY ARTERY TO THE PORT OF BALTIMORE, WHICH HELPED MOVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF FREIGHT EVERY SINGLE YEAR, SHOULD STILL BE HERE RIGHT NOW. AND THE SIX VICTIMS OF THE COLLAPSE SHOULD ALL BE HERE RIGHT NOW. THE STATE IS ALSO ASKING THE COURT TO DENY THE DALI OWNER’S REQUEST TO LIMIT LIABILITY TO THE SHIP, AND THE CARGO. A COPY OF THE LAWSUIT AND VIDEOTAPE OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE CAN BE SEEN ON THE WBAL, TV APP. REPORTING FR
US reaches settlement for over $100M with owner, operator of ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse
Two companies which own and operate the Dali cargo ship, which collided with the Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, have agreed to pay more than $100 million to resolve a civil claim from the United States, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.Related video above: 'Reckless, incompetent': Maryland sues DaliThe settlement money will go to the U.S. Treasury and several federal agencies directly affected by the Key Bridge collapse, according to a news release.Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited will pay $101,980,000."This is a tremendous outcome that fully compensates the United States for the costs it incurred in responding to this disaster and holds the owner and operator of the DALI accountable," said principal deputy assistant attorney general Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "The prompt resolution of this matter also avoids the expense associated with litigating this complex case for potentially years."Related video below: Attorneys say DOJ claim against Dali strengthens caseThe settlement does not include any damages for the reconstruction of the Key Bridge, according to the press release.Maryland built and operated the bridge, and attorneys for the state have filed a separate claim for the damages.Video below: New lifeline could get full funding for Key Bridge rebuildThis is a developing story. Check back for possible updates.
BALTIMORE —
Two companies which own and operate the Dali cargo ship, which collided with the Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, have agreed to pay more than $100 million to resolve a civil claim from the United States, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.
Related video above: 'Reckless, incompetent': Maryland sues Dali
The settlement money will go to the U.S. Treasury and several federal agencies directly affected by the Key Bridge collapse, according to a news release.
Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited will pay $101,980,000.
"This is a tremendous outcome that fully compensates the United States for the costs it incurred in responding to this disaster and holds the owner and operator of the DALI accountable," said principal deputy assistant attorney general Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. "The prompt resolution of this matter also avoids the expense associated with litigating this complex case for potentially years."
Related video below: Attorneys say DOJ claim against Dali strengthens case
The settlement does not include any damages for the reconstruction of the Key Bridge, according to the press release.
Maryland built and operated the bridge, and attorneys for the state have filed a separate claim for the damages.
Video below: New lifeline could get full funding for Key Bridge rebuild
This is a developing story. Check back for possible updates.