Key Bridge collapse families settle claims before civil trial begins

The families of six construction workers killed in the Key Bridge collapse have settled their claims against the ship’s owner and operator. The disaster occurred on March 26th, 2004, when a cargo vessel struck the bridge, causing it to fall. Among the victims was 39-year-old Maynor Suazo Sandoval, whose mother, Rosa, reached an agreement with the companies involved.

The collapse happened after the Dali, a cargo ship operated by Synergy Marine and owned by Grace Ocean Private Limited, lost power and crashed into the bridge. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board later found that a loose wire had triggered the initial blackout on board. Federal prosecutors have since accused Synergy Marine of using an illegal manual flushing pump, which allegedly caused a second blackout before the collision.

A civil trial to determine liability for those who did not settle will begin on Monday, June 5th, 2023, in Baltimore. Judge James K. Bredar will oversee the proceedings, with the trial expected to last throughout June. The terms of the settlements reached by the families—including Rosa Suazo and lone survivor Julio Cervantes Suarez—remain confidential.

The six workers who lost their lives—Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Suazo Sandoval, Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, and Jose Maynor Lopez—have all had their claims resolved by Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine.

The settlements bring a measure of closure for the families affected by the Key Bridge collapse. Meanwhile, the upcoming civil trial will address remaining liability questions. Federal criminal charges against Synergy Marine are still pending, focusing on the alleged use of an illegal pump before the disaster.