A federal judge has refused to postpone a trial next month for civil claims stemming from the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. U.S. District Judge James Bredar ruled Wednesday that the trial will start on June 1 as scheduled despite the objections of the companies involved in the deadly disaster. The judge heard the request for a delay less than two weeks after prosecutors announced the filing of criminal charges against the companies and an employee. Six construction workers who had been filling potholes were killed in the bridge collapse. Attorneys for victims and their families had urged Bredar to preserve the current schedule for the civil trial.

Prosecutors have charged the operator of the ship that crashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge leading to the deaths of six construction workers in March 2024. A key employee is also charged. Federal prosecutors announced the indictment Tuesday naming Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., based in Singapore, and Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd., based in Chennai, India. FBI investigations focused on the vessel’s operations and whether the crew knew of critical issues before leaving port. Maryland officials estimate it will cost between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion to replace the bridge. A new bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2030.