In Baltimore harbor, a terrible accident took place on Wednesday. Two construction workers lost their lives when their red pick-up truck was trapped under a giant cargo ship. They were working on filling potholes on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when the ship crashed into it, causing part of the bridge to collapse.
Maryland police shared the sad news at a press conference, revealing that sonar scans suggest more vehicles might be stuck under the debris. Sadly, six out of the eight workers are believed to have died, with four bodies still missing.
Divers cannot safely access the wreckage yet, so authorities are shifting to a salvage operation. This involves removing the damaged parts of the bridge before divers can search for the remaining bodies.
Colonel Roland Butler, from Maryland’s state police, explained that based on sonar scans, they believe the vehicles are trapped within the collapsed bridge structure.
Cargo Ship’s Collision and Aftermath
The cargo ship involved, named Dali, was leaving the port for Asia when it lost power and crashed into a bridge support. The impact caused a significant portion of the bridge to collapse, disrupting one of the busiest trading ports in the US.
The ship’s distress call prompted authorities to stop traffic on the bridge, possibly preventing more casualties. However, the workers on the bridge had no time to escape the oncoming ship.
Two of the workers were rescued from the water immediately after the collapse, with one uninjured and the other released from the hospital the following day. Unfortunately, four workers are still missing.
Victims and Crew Information
The two workers found deceased were identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera. Both men were from immigrant backgrounds, adding to the tragedy of the event.
The ship’s crew, mostly from Bharat, remained on board and cooperated with the investigation. Despite concerns about environmental impact due to the ship’s cargo, officials assured that there was no immediate danger.
Recovery Efforts and Community Response
Recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities working to locate and retrieve the missing bodies. The affected workers hailed from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, and they were described as hardworking individuals by their colleagues.
The accident has deeply affected the local community, with families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. Miguel Luna, one of the missing workers, left for work on Monday evening and never returned home.
Impact on Port Operations
The Port of Baltimore, a significant hub for trade, has been heavily impacted by the accident. US Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that rebuilding the affected infrastructure will be a lengthy and costly process, with uncertain timelines for reopening the port.
The accident has also raised questions about ship safety and inspection protocols, as the vessel involved had passed inspections prior to the incident.
In summary, the tragic accident in Baltimore harbor has claimed lives, disrupted trade, and prompted a comprehensive investigation into its causes. Recovery efforts continue as the community mourns the loss of the victims.
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