The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, claimed the lives of six roadwork crew members, including Miguel Luna and Jose Mynor Lopez, whose bodies have not yet been recovered. These workers, who were Latino immigrants from various countries, were fathers, husbands, and hardworking individuals who shared a common dream of a better life in the United States. In response to this tragedy, the close-knit Latino community in Baltimore County has constructed a memorial near the site of the bridge collapse to honor the lives and work of the victims. The memorial includes decorated wooden crosses, flowers, candles, and a modified American flag with six stars to represent each of the men.
Mourners gathered at the memorial to offer support to the victims’ loved ones and to remind the public that two families are still awaiting closure as the bodies of Luna and Lopez remain missing. Fernando Sajche, a member of the close-knit community and a construction worker himself, emphasized the need for answers and highlighted the sacrifices made by these workers who lost their lives on the job. The fatal incident occurred when a container ship lost power and crashed into one of the bridge’s supporting columns while the workers were filling potholes. Despite a last-minute mayday call, the workers were not able to be alerted in time, resulting in the tragic outcome.
Community members, including those who knew Luna personally, paid tribute to the victims by hoisting Salvadoran and Guatemalan flags at the memorial site. One mourner, Marcoin Mendoza, recalled Luna’s ambition to build a better life in the U.S. through hard work, a dream shared by many immigrants. Luna’s wife, who operates a local food truck specializing in Salvadoran cuisine, often saw him helping out at the truck during the day and working construction at night. The community came together to listen to mariachi music, share food, light candles, and pray for the victims and their families as they mourned the loss of their loved ones.
Bernardo Vargas, another member of the community, expressed his commitment to standing by the victims’ families until Luna and Lopez are found. He pointed to the red handprints left by Luna’s relatives on the memorial backdrop as a poignant symbol of their enduring love and connection. Messages written in English and Spanish at the memorial conveyed heartfelt sentiments of grief and remembrance for the workers who lost their lives in the tragic bridge collapse. As the community continues to come together in solidarity and support, they honor the memory of these hardworking individuals who pursued their dreams with determination and resilience.
