A construction crew working on Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, primarily consisting of Central American immigrants, were on the bridge when it collapsed after a freighter ship collided with it. The crew, described as “hard-working, humble men,” were involved in patching potholes on the bridge at the time of the incident. Two members of the crew have been found so far, while the search for the remaining members continues.
The collision between the freighter ship, named Dali, and the bridge caused a complete structural failure, leading to the bridge collapsing into the Patapsco River. The dramatic scene was captured in videos and photos shared across social media platforms. The Baltimore Fire Chief, James Wallace, stated that the search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with a large area to cover before all missing crew members can be accounted for.
According to the Maryland Transportation Authority, the crew members were immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, residing in Dundalk and Highlandtown. These men, in their 30s and 40s, had families at home for whom they were working in Baltimore to provide a better life. Jesus Campos of the contracting company Brawner Builders, where the crew worked, spoke out about the missing men, emphasizing their hard-working and humble nature.
President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing his intention for the U.S. government to cover the costs needed to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge. He expects Congress to support this effort, stating that the federal government will pay for the entire reconstruction of the bridge. The disruption to Baltimore’s port due to the collapse could cost approximately $9 million per day, according to Patrick Penfield, a professor at Syracuse University.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground. The tragic incident on the Francis Scott Key Bridge highlights the importance of infrastructure safety and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. As the search and rescue operations continue, the focus remains on locating the missing construction crew members and ensuring their families receive the support they need during this difficult time. President Biden’s commitment to rebuild the bridge demonstrates a dedication to infrastructure resilience and the well-being of those affected by this devastating event.
