The FBI has launched a criminal investigation into the collapse of a Baltimore bridge that claimed the lives of six construction workers. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Bureau’s scrutiny is centered on the actions of the massive container ship, the Dali, and whether its crew knowingly operated the vessel while it was experiencing malfunctions.

“The FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court authorized law enforcement activity,” the agency stated. “My office generally will not confirm the existence of or otherwise comment about investigations,” said Erek L. Barron, the U.S. attorney for Maryland.

“However, the public should know, whether it’s gun violence, civil rights abuse, financial fraud, or any other threat to public safety or property, we will seek accountability for anyone who may be responsible.”

The pre-dawn crash on March 26th resulted in the closure of ports along the Eastern Seaboard as search and rescue teams worked to recover bodies and assess the damage. Two crew members of the Dali survived the incident.

A separate investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also underway to determine the cause of the collapse and identify any safety deficiencies.

“It’s a massive undertaking for an investigation,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. “We have an amazing team of individuals who are focused on very specific areas of expertise, and so I have no doubt that we will be able to pull this together in hopefully 12 to 24 months.”

President Joe Biden and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have both pledged to hold accountable any parties found responsible for allowing the Dali to operate despite electronic defects. The NTSB has indicated that urgent safety recommendations may be issued if necessary before the conclusion of the investigation.