President Joe Biden is set to meet with some of the relatives of the six construction workers who tragically died in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge during his visit to Baltimore. The bridge collapsed after a cargo ship hit one of its support pillars, causing significant damage and impacting the port of Baltimore, which handles millions of dollars in trade daily. The White House has also announced that Biden will be meeting with local officials and viewing the wreckage of the bridge.
White House director of intergovernmental affairs Tom Perez recently visited with the families of some of the victims, describing their inconsolable grief and the urgency with which officials are working to recover the remaining four bodies that are still unaccounted for. Perez has been in touch with the families and is coordinating with various government agencies, including US Citizenship and Immigration Services, to assist with their needs. This includes coordinating visits to the United States for some relatives and addressing a range of other needs.
The US is engaged in different processes involving four different countries in addition to specific requests from the families, such as some relatives wanting to visit the US and at least one requesting the repatriation of the victim’s body. In interviews, Perez has highlighted the emotional toll on the families, with one spouse expressing the desire to have their loved one’s body returned. He emphasized the importance of worker safety and expressed empathy for the families, stating that both Biden and the administration are committed to supporting them and ensuring that search and rescue operations continue.
Perez stressed the gravity of the situation, acknowledging the profound impact on the president and the families affected by the tragic collapse. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to helping the families and addressing all of their needs during this difficult time. The families continue to grapple with the loss of their loved ones, and Perez emphasized the government’s efforts to provide support and assistance in any way possible. The focus remains on coordinating with the families, government agencies, and international partners to address the aftermath of the bridge collapse and provide necessary help to those impacted by the tragedy.
