Maryland settles for $2.25B as Key Bridge crash triggers federal charges

Maryland reached a $2.25 billion settlement with the Dali’s owner and operator after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse killed six workers, while federal prosecutors charged the ship’s operator, a supervisor, and two companies with conspiracy to defraud the U.S., obstruction and false statements; investigators say forged safety inspections and a faulty flushing pump contributed to the loss of power before the crash, which in turn led to the bridge’s collapse, a costly cleanup, port disruption, and a rebuilding bill estimated at $4-5 billion with a new bridge planned to open in 2030; civil litigation remains separate and could be paused as the criminal case proceeds.