Tragedy Strikes Baltimore: Bridge Collapse Claims Lives of Two Workers
In a shocking turn of events, two bodies have been recovered from a sunken pickup truck near the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The collapse of the bridge, caused by a cargo ship crashing into a support column, has left six people missing and presumed dead. The victims have been identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, a 35-year-old construction worker from Mexico, and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, a 26-year-old construction worker from Guatemala.
The collapse occurred just before the Tuesday morning commute was set to begin. The cargo ship lost propulsion and control, crashing into the Key Bridge and triggering the catastrophic collapse. Up to 20 vehicles and several workers were plunged into the water. Rescue efforts have been ongoing since the incident, with divers searching for the missing workers.
The missing workers were part of a maintenance crew repairing the bridge’s asphalt. Miguel Luna, a married father of three from El Salvador, and Maynor Suazo Sandoval, an immigrant from Honduras, are among those still unaccounted for. The workers are believed to be from Mexico and Honduras.
Imagery from underwater drones reveals a scene of twisted metal and debris, making it unsafe for divers to enter the water. One truck and trailer have been recovered, and a vehicle remains hanging from the collapsed bridge’s structure. Investigators also discovered 13 damaged containers on the cargo ship, which are being inspected for any potential hazardous materials.
Concerns about an oil spill have arisen, with an estimated 1.8 million gallons of marine-grade diesel potentially at risk. However, Vice Adm. Peter Gautier of the U.S. Coast Guard assures the public that there is no immediate threat.
President Joe Biden has pledged federal resources to assist in the search and rescue operation. He has also promised that the federal government will cover the cost of rebuilding the bridge, which is estimated to be a lengthy and expensive process.
The incident has been deemed an accident, with no evidence of terrorism involved. The National Transportation Safety Board will be conducting an investigation into the crash.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has sent shockwaves through the Baltimore community. Governor Wes Moore expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for unity and support during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working tirelessly to piece together what caused the cargo ship to crash into the bridge. Preliminary reports suggest power issues aboard the vessel may have been a contributing factor.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that lie beneath seemingly stable structures. It is a tragedy that will forever be etched in the memories of Baltimore residents, and it underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of our infrastructure.
Sources:
– ABC News
