Salvage crews in Baltimore are working tirelessly to remove debris from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge following a tragic accident that resulted in the presumed deaths of six workers. The workers, who were from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, were patching potholes on the bridge when it collapsed. As efforts continue to remove the wreckage, residents near the site took time on Easter Sunday to reflect on the fallen workers, with Rev. Ako Walker holding a Mass in their honor.
The bridge collapsed early Tuesday when the crew of the cargo ship Dali lost power and control, leading to a mayday call. While two workers survived and two bodies were found in a submerged pickup truck, four more are presumed dead. Weather conditions and the tangled debris underwater have hindered search efforts for their bodies. Each part of the bridge that is removed from the water will be inspected at the Tradepoint Atlantic logistics center. The operation to clear the debris is crucial to reopening the ship channel and the Port of Baltimore.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized the importance of determining the cause of the accident and holding accountable those responsible. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The crew of the Dali, which remains onboard the ship, is tangled in thousands of tons of debris. Efforts are underway to clear the shipping channel and rebuild the bridge, which was completed in 1977 to connect Interstate 695 around southeast Baltimore.
The process of rebuilding the bridge is expected to take time as engineers assess the condition of the ramps and smaller bridges leading to the collapsed structure. President Joe Biden’s administration has pledged to cover the full cost of rebuilding, and state and federal transportation officials are committed to expediting the process. The closure of the Port of Baltimore has impacted businesses and workers, and aid packages are being considered by Congress to assist those affected by the bridge collapse.
The tragic loss of the migrant workers has deeply affected the Latino community in Baltimore, prompting calls for support and unity. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott stressed the impact of the bridge collapse on the local and global economy. Small businesses are receiving assistance through the Small Business Administration to help with losses caused by the bridge closure. The pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus, where a Mass was held in honor of the workers, emphasized the importance of embracing and supporting migrant workers who contribute to their communities.
As the salvage operation continues and efforts to rebuild the bridge progress, the importance of safety, accountability, and community support remains at the forefront. The stories of the workers serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by migrant workers to provide for their families and communities. Rev. Ako Walker urged people to be bridges for one another, fostering a sense of hope and togetherness in the face of tragedy. The impact of the bridge collapse extends beyond Baltimore, highlighting the need for solidarity and support in times of adversity.
