Camila Francisco
The bodies of two individuals have been retrieved from a submerged red pickup truck following the collapse of the Baltimore bridge. The incident occurred when a ship collided with the bridge, causing it to collapse and plunge eight construction workers into the water below.
While two workers were rescued on the day of the incident, the search continues for the remaining four, all presumed deceased. Salvage crews are currently addressing hazardous materials, and accident investigators are present at the scene.
During a news conference held on Wednesday, Maryland State Police identified Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, as the two workers recovered from inside the truck by divers. Mr. Fuentes hails from Mexico, and Mr. Cabrera is from Guatemala.
However, divers are now facing challenges navigating the waters due to concrete and debris obstructing the river. They have shifted to using sonar scans and believe that vehicles possibly containing other bodies are trapped within the collapsed bridge’s debris.
Two additional missing victims, presumed deceased, have been named: Miguel Luna, originally from El Salvador, and Maynor Suazo Sandoval, a Honduran citizen.
The supply chain is a concern following the Baltimore ship crash. Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously stated that two of its citizens were presumed dead, one of whom is now identified as Mr. Fuentes, while another was rescued.
Officials reported that one person hospitalized after being pulled from the water has been discharged.
The search for the six construction workers, who were repairing potholes on the bridge when the ship struck, has been extensive. The US Coast Guard ceased the search as cold water temperatures and significant time elapsed indicated the workers were presumed dead.
Officials have committed to locating the victims’ bodies to provide closure to their families. Maryland Governor Wes Moore assured that all available resources are dedicated to the search efforts.
However, the operation has been challenging, with divers navigating chilly waters and metal debris. The cargo vessel involved in the collision carries significant amounts of fuel oil and hazardous materials.
Efforts to remove parts of the collapsed bridge from the water are underway. The bridge collapse has raised concerns about global supply chains and the US economy.
Replacing the bridge is expected to be a lengthy process, with experts estimating potential daily losses of up to $15 million until the shipping lane is reopened. US Senator Ben Cardin expressed confidence in receiving the necessary resources for recovery and bridge replacement.
Investigators are exploring various factors contributing to the collapse, including the possibility of contaminated fuel playing a role in the collision.
