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 26 March 2004, when the cargo vessel Dali struck the bridge, causing its collapse.

The lone survivor, Julio Cervantes Suarez, has also reached a settlement with Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine, the companies responsible for the ship. A civil trial for remaining claimants will now proceed in Baltimore next month.

The tragedy unfolded when the Dali lost power and collided with the Key Bridge. Investigators later found that a loose wire triggered the initial blackout on board. A second blackout, allegedly caused by an illegal manual flushing pump, worsened the situation. Federal prosecutors have since filed criminal charges against Synergy Marine over the pump’s use.

All six victims—Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Suazo Sandoval, Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, and Jose Maynor Lopez—had their families settle claims before trial. Rosa, the mother of Maynor Suazo Sandoval, 39, was among those who reached agreements with the companies. Grace Ocean and Synergy have argued they should not pay the full compensation demanded. They cite an 1851 maritime law that limits liability to the ship’s value and its cargo. The upcoming civil trial, set to begin on 5 June 2023, will determine responsibility for the remaining claims. Judge James K. Bredar will oversee proceedings, which are expected to last throughout June.

The settlements resolve claims for the victims’ families and the sole survivor. The trial will now focus on the outstanding cases against the ship’s owner and operator. A verdict could clarify liability for one of the worst bridge disasters in recent history.