[craig nigrelli]

THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE HAS REACHED A SETTLEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEADLY BALTIMORE BRIDGE COLLAPSE IN MARCH.

THE D-O-J SAYS THE TWO COMPANIES THAT OWNED THE CARGO SHIP, WHICH CRASHED INTO BALTIMORE’S FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT, HAVE AGREED TO PAY MORE THAN 100 MILLION DOLLARS TO RESOLVE A CIVIL CLAIM THAT THE DISASTER WAS CAUSED BY THE COMPANIES’ COST-CUTTING MEASURES AND NEGLECTING THE SHIP’S MAINTENANCE.

SIX WORKERS, WHO WERE ON THE BRIDGE PATCHING POT-HOLES,  WERE KILLED WHEN THE 213-MILLION-POUND VESSEL LOST POWER AND CRASHED INTO THE BRIDGE, SENDING IT CRUMBLING INTO THE WATER.

THE D-O-J SAID THE SETTLEMENT MONEY WILL COVER THE COSTS OF THE MONTHS-LONG EFFORTS TO REMOVE THE WRECKAGE AND GET THE PORT OF BALTIMORE BACK OPEN.

THIS IS NOT THE END THOUGH.

THE CITY OF BALTIMORE HAS FILED ITS OWN CLAIM AGAINST THE TWO COMPANIES.  FAMILIES OF THREE OF THE VICTIMS HAVE ALSO SAID THEY INTEND TO SUE.

THE F-B-I HAS ALSO OPENED A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER THE SHIP’S CREW FAILED TO REPORT AN EARLIER ISSUE THAT DELAYED THEIR DEPARTURE.