Moises Diaz, a Baltimore construction worker, narrowly avoided being on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when it collapsed due to a last-minute shift change. He is grieving for his colleagues who died in the tragedy, considering them as family. Diaz expressed gratitude to have been spared from the disaster and credits God for his fortunate timing. The bridge collapse resulted in at least eight workers falling into the Patapsco River after a massive shipping container collided with the structure, leaving many missing and presumed dead.
Among the victims of the bridge collapse were two construction workers from Brawner Builders, whose bodies were recovered from a submerged red pick-up truck. The workers were identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, both immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala respectively. Four other members of the crew remain missing, including individuals from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. Diaz emphasized the good character of his coworkers, describing them as hardworking and dedicated individuals with families who are now awaiting closure.
The Brawner Builders crew had been taking a break on the bridge, sitting in their cars, when the tragedy unfolded. Diaz remembers receiving a notification about the collapse and immediately worrying about his coworkers who were working at the site. The crew had built strong relationships over their long hours working on various construction projects in the Baltimore metro area. Diaz stressed the bond they shared, working long shifts in tunnels and bridges together, forming a tight-knit family dynamic among the workers.
Despite the tragic loss of their coworkers, the families of the victims are coping with the situation and hoping for closure by finding the bodies. Diaz mentioned speaking to the brother-in-law of one of the missing workers, who expressed concern about the fate of his loved one. Search and rescue efforts were suspended due to dangerous conditions, but will resume once the debris from the collapsed bridge is removed from the water. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collapse, with initial reports indicating that the container ship involved had recently undergone routine engine maintenance before losing power.
As the investigation into the bridge collapse continues, Diaz and his fellow workers are mourning the loss of their colleagues. They remember them as good citizens, hard workers, and devoted family members. The tragic event has left a profound impact not only on the construction crew but also on the immigrant communities to which the victims belonged. The recovery of the remaining bodies and vehicles from the water will hopefully provide closure for the families of the victims, allowing them to properly mourn their loved ones and begin the healing process after this devastating incident.
