The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore resulted in the recovery of two bodies from the Patapsco River, leaving families of those missing or presumed dead in mourning. The victims were identified as 35-year-old Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and 26-year-old Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera. Divers found the men in a submerged red pickup truck, which was located about 25 feet deep in the water. The tragic incident occurred when a container ship lost power and collided with a supporting column of the bridge, causing the entire structure to fall into the water and taking people and vehicles with it. The crew onboard issued a mayday call moments before the collapse, allowing responders to block traffic from entering the bridge.
Prior to the collapse, there were concerns raised about construction workers on the bridge, leading to discussions about getting them off temporarily. Two individuals were rescued from the river after the collapse, with one sustaining injuries that required hospitalization. However, the recovery of the bodies on Wednesday revealed that two individuals were still missing, believed to be trapped inside vehicles underwater in dangerous conditions. Among the missing workers is Miguel Luna, a father of three who immigrated from El Salvador 19 years ago, and Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, a Honduran citizen described as the light of his family. The families, construction workers, and immigrant communities are mourning their loss, with Baltimore priest Father Ako Walker expressing condolences for those who were working and sacrificing for their families.
Moises Diaz, a construction worker for Brawner Builders, shared his grief for the victims of the collapse, whom he considered family. Immigrants make up nearly 40% of construction workers in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., metro areas, and officials and worker advocates anticipate their community will play a significant role in rebuilding the Key Bridge. The tragic event has affected families, coworkers, and communities as they come to terms with the loss of loved ones and the impact on those left behind. The recovery efforts have been ongoing, with officials exploring dangerous conditions to locate and retrieve those still missing after the bridge collapse. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by construction workers and the importance of safety measures in preventing such tragedies in the future.
