The families of six workers who died in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore have filed lawsuits against the owner and operator of the cargo ship involved in the accident. The lawsuits allege negligence on the part of the companies, claiming they knew about mechanical issues with the ship but allowed it to depart Baltimore anyway.
Another worker who survived the collapse has also filed a lawsuit against the companies, seeking damages for his injuries.
The U.S. Department of Justice has also filed a lawsuit against the companies, accusing them of wilfully ignoring or mishandling mechanical problems on the ship. The department is seeking at least $100 million in damages.
The incident occurred on March 26 when the container ship lost power and crashed into a support pylon, causing the bridge to collapse. Six workers were killed and several others were injured.
The owner and operator of the ship have denied any wrongdoing and are expected to defend themselves in court.
