Francis Scott Key Bridge South of Baltimore Collapses

These guys don't have a lot of free time on their hands......something is up

 

Yeah and no.

First off, Zerohedge is a REALLY bad source of information. Kinda like asking my sister for tax advice - she may not be wrong but I'd consult some other folks to avoid ending up like AL Capone.

Secondly, the FBI or other law enforcement is always involved in these cases. NTSB does not have the ability to file criminal charges on their own (at least not to my knowledge). With 6 dead, negligent homicide is the least the captain should be charged with.

My final thought is we know the shipping company is trying to limit their liability. If other, non-maritime charges can be filed it is possible to negate that civil war Era law. That's just me spitballing, but no one wants to be on the hook to pay for this.

 

Baltimore bridge collapse: DOJ sues owner, manager of cargo ship for $100M

 

DOJ? How in the hell do they have any standing to sue? Maryland owns (Oops, owned) that bridge.

 

It was part of an interstate highway, I-695.

 

No kidding? Well, I'll be!!!

Construction largely funded by the federal government, yes. Usually about 90%, IIRC. It's still owned by the state, just like every other U. S. & Interstate highway.
Allowing the Federal Govt standing is opening the door for the Feds to claim ownership of our highway system, which would be a vast expansion of authority.

 

No need to get snarky. Of course the feds have shared jurisdiction over federally funded highways. You drive a truck, right?

The accident also involved a navigable waterway and a foreign maritime vessel, both of which the feds also have jurisdiction over.