The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore resulted in the presumed death of six workers. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted search and rescue efforts, but the situation shifted to a recovery effort as the workers were believed to be trapped in the debris. Two workers were found in a red pickup truck, and divers were no longer able to operate around the debris, leading to a salvage effort. The collapse occurred after the span was struck by a cargo ship shortly after leaving the Port of Baltimore, and eight workers were on the bridge at the time, with two being rescued and one treated at a hospital.
The victims of the bridge collapse were all workers for Brawner Builders who were filling potholes on the bridge’s center span at the time of the incident. The men were from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, and were living in the Dundalk and Highlandtown areas. One of the missing workers from El Salvador, Miguel Luna, was a husband and father of three who had been living in Maryland for over 19 years. The Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed two of the men were from Guatemala, and Maryland State Police identified two men found in a red pickup truck. The Mexican Embassy in Washington also confirmed Mexicans were among the missing.
The search and rescue operations were suspended on Tuesday evening, leading to recovery efforts based on the length of time that had passed and the water temperature. The Coast Guard was leading the recovery mission, with divers returning to the water on Wednesday morning. The company employing the workers, Brawner Builders, expressed shock at the unexpected collapse of the bridge despite their emphasis on safety measures. The recovery effort continued with the hope of finding the missing workers, although it was believed that they may no longer be alive.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the presumed death of the six workers garnered attention from various sources, including CBS News. Family members and officials from the workers’ home countries expressed sadness and concern over the loss of the workers. The recovery mission was ongoing as divers worked to navigate the debris and recover any bodies that might be found. The community mourned the loss of the workers, whom they described as hard-working and humble individuals. The unexpected tragedy left many unanswered questions and a sense of disbelief among those affected.
