US charges Singaporean, Indian firms with fraud over 2024 Maryland bridge crash

US federal authorities have filed fraud charges against Singaporean and Indian maritime companies connected to the 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, intensifying the legal fallout from one of the worst infrastructure disasters in recent US history.

The charges target firms associated with the cargo ship Dali, which struck the bridge in Baltimore after suffering a catastrophic power failure in March 2024. The collision caused the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River, killing six construction workers and shutting down one of America’s busiest shipping routes for weeks.

According to US prosecutors, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that key safety concerns and mechanical problems aboard the vessel may have been concealed before the accident occurred. Authorities allege the companies failed to properly disclose issues related to the ship’s electrical systems and maintenance records.

The firms named in the case include Singapore-based shipping management company Synergy Marine and an affiliated Indian entity involved in vessel operations and technical oversight. Prosecutors also filed charges against a senior technical official accused of providing misleading information during inspections and compliance reviews.

Federal officials stated that the investigation focused on whether critical failures on the vessel were knowingly ignored or improperly documented prior to the voyage that ended in disaster.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge triggered massive economic disruption across the Baltimore region, temporarily halting shipping traffic and forcing emergency recovery operations that lasted for months. The US government later launched multiple civil and criminal investigations into the incident.

Legal experts say the fraud charges could expose the companies to significant financial penalties and further lawsuits from victims’ families, insurers, and government agencies seeking compensation for damages and cleanup costs.

The Dali cargo ship had departed Baltimore shortly before the crash when it reportedly lost electrical power and steering capability, causing it to veer into one of the bridge’s main support structures.

The tragedy renewed scrutiny over maritime safety standards, vessel maintenance oversight, and emergency response procedures at major US ports. It also sparked calls for stronger regulations governing aging infrastructure and high-capacity cargo traffic near critical transport routes.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional legal action could follow as federal agencies continue examining operational and technical failures linked to the disaster.