Last week, the body of a third construction worker, identified as 38-year-old Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, was recovered from the Patapsco River in Baltimore after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was struck by a cargo ship. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and praised the first responders for their efforts in recovering the bodies of the missing workers. Salvage dive teams discovered Suazo-Sandoval’s body, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to six. The other two recovered bodies have been identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera.
The Dali cargo ship collided with the bridge while a construction crew was working on filling potholes on the structure. The vessel lost power, prompting a mayday alert that allowed police to stop traffic before the collapse occurred. Eight construction workers were on break at the time, with two being rescued and the remaining six presumed dead. The bodies of the victims were found submerged in a red pickup truck in the middle of the river. President Biden visited the site of the collapse and pledged to rebuild the structure with federal assistance, promising to provide support to the families of the victims.
The announcement of Suazo-Sandoval’s recovery brought some closure to his family, although there are still families waiting to hear about their loved ones. Col. Roland Butler, Jr. of the Maryland Department of State Police reiterated the commitment to finding closure for all families affected by the tragedy. Mayor Scott expressed gratitude for the efforts of the first responders and vowed to continue supporting the families of the victims. The recovery of the bodies of the missing workers marked a step closer to closure for the community, although the tragedy continues to weigh heavily on those affected by the collapse.
The recovery efforts involved salvage dive teams working to retrieve the bodies of the missing workers, who were trapped in the submerged truck. The identification of Suazo-Sandoval, Fuentes, and Cabrera provided some relief to their families, who had been waiting anxiously for news. The tragic incident sparked a renewed focus on infrastructure safety and the need for stronger measures to prevent similar disasters in the future. President Biden’s visit to the site underscored the government’s commitment to rebuilding the bridge and providing support to the affected families.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a reminder of the risks faced by construction workers and the importance of ensuring safety protocols are followed on worksites. The incident raised questions about the structural integrity of the bridge and the accountability of those responsible for its maintenance. The recovery of the bodies of the missing workers was a somber moment for the community, highlighting the impact of the tragedy on the families and loved ones left behind. The efforts to rebuild the bridge and address the aftermath of the collapse reflect a commitment to honoring the memory of the victims and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
