Six construction workers, presumed dead after a Baltimore bridge collapsed, were hardworking fathers from Mexico and Central America. They were fixing potholes on the Francis Key Scott Bridge when it collapsed into the Patapsco River. Two workers were saved, while six remain missing and are presumed dead. The Coast Guard called off the search and rescue mission, believing the chances of survival were slim. The missing workers were identified as Miguel Luna and Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, hailing from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Maynor Suazo, originally from Honduras, had been in the United States since 2003 and began working for the company last year. He was described as cheerful and loved hosting others, particularly during Christmas. His family was devastated by the news, especially his mother, who considered him the baby of the family. Maynor’s 5-year-old daughter was unaware of his likely demise. Another worker, Miguel Luna, had been with the company for 14 years and had six children. His wife expressed hope for his return amidst the tragic news.
The Dali, a container ship, collided with the bridge after losing propulsion and tried to warn officials about the crash. Seven vehicles fell from the bridge during the collapse, with sonar technology being used to locate them. Videos captured the moment of the crash, causing one Baltimore resident’s house to shake. The ship had been involved in a previous collision in 2016. Miguel Luna’s family received a call about the disaster in the early hours, adding to the anxiety among loved ones of the missing workers.
The missing workers included individuals from Guatemala, with friends and family frantically trying to reach them after the incident. Witnesses recounted hearing about the crew being on break, sitting in their trucks, when the crash occurred. A vigil for the missing workers was held, with a Catholic priest offering prayers for the men as their families awaited news. The tragic event had a profound impact on Baltimore’s Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities, highlighting the risks faced by workers in demanding and dangerous jobs.
The possibility of additional victims arose as authorities speculated whether more individuals may have been on the bridge during the collapse. Maryland State Police considered it likely that other drivers on the bridge would also be presumed dead. Crew members on the container ship reported losing power near the Key Bridge and issuing a mayday call before the collision. Maryland Transportation Authority officials attempted to stop motorists before the crash but were unable to evacuate the workers in time. The steel structure crumbled within seconds, plunging into the water.
The aftermath of the bridge collapse saw a community in mourning, grappling with the loss of the hardworking individuals who perished in the tragic event. Families, friends, and coworkers of the missing workers awaited updates as search operations resumed to recover the bodies of those presumed dead. The incident drew attention to the dangers faced by construction workers and the need for improved safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Amidst the grief and devastation, communities came together to offer support and prayers for the victims and their families.
