‘We’re low-income families’: Sad link emerges between Baltimore bridge collapse victims

It has been revealed that all six workers who are presumed dead, following a catastrophic bridge collapse in the US share a heartbreaking link.

It has been revealed that all six construction workers missing and presumed dead, following a catastrophic bridge collapse in the US city of Baltimore, had come to America in pursuit of a better life.

A container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, causing the bridge to collapse.

The 984-foot long ship hit a pier of the bridge, which caused the collapse on Tuesday morning.

The Dali, a Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel that spans the size of almost three football fields, remains stuck under debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Picture: Roberto Schmidt / AFP

Miguel Luna, a dedicated father of three, is among the missing workers. Picture: Facebook

Authorities confirmed Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval is also among the missing. Picture: Facebook

These six men hail from various Latin American countries. They sought opportunities in the US while financially supporting their families back home.

One of the missing workers is Miguel Luna, 49, a father of three, as confirmed by his wife, Maria del Carmen Castellon.

Maria earlier this week told local news station Telemundo 44: “They only tell us that we have to wait, that for now, they can’t give us information.”

The uncertainty surrounding their fate had left her devastated.

According to local non-profit CASA, Mr Luna, described as a dedicated husband and father, had been a resident of Maryland for over 19 years.

Marvin Luna, the son of Miguel, recounted his distress upon learning about the bridge collapse, sharing: “We’re okay right now because we don’t know yet, nothing about my dad.”

Another family impacted by the tragedy is that of Maynor Suazo, originally from Honduras.

Carlos Suazo, his brother, told local news: “[Authorities] have assisted us but they leave us very worried.”

Miguel Luna with wife, Maria del Carmen Castellon. Picture: Supplied

Honduras’ Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio García also confirmed the involvement of a Honduran citizen, Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, in the incident.

Jesus Campos, a colleague of the missing workers, highlighted the financial support they provide to relatives back in their home countries.

“I could have been there like my co-workers,” he said.

“We’re low-income families … Our relatives are waiting for our help back in our home countries.”

Two other victims, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, from Mexico, and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, from Guatemala, were identified on Wednesday after their submerged pickup truck was recovered from the waters.

The heavily laden cargo ship lost power and smashed into a support column despite desperate attempts to stop in time. Picture: Chris Delmas / National Transportation Safety Board

The treacherous conditions at the site hampered efforts to recover the bodies of the remaining missing workers.

Authorities called off the recovery mission due to safety concerns — acknowledging the solemn reality that the wreckage may serve as the final resting place for the missing men.

Ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore, which is the 17th largest US port in terms of the total weight of cargo entering and leaving the port, and the fourth largest on the East Coast as per the 2021 data from the Bureau of Transportation, has been suspended until further notice.

Recovery efforts have been hampered as treacherous conditions prevent the retrieval of the mens’ bodies. Picture: Jim Watson / AFP

Baltimore bridge, port recovery will be ‘very long road’

A ship carrying a giant crane is currently en route to the scene of the catastrophic bridge collapse over Baltimore harbour, as confirmed by senior White House official Tom Perez.

Clearing the site is an urgent matter for the commercial hub that is integral to US and global trade.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore acknowledged the enormity of the tragedy, hinting at an arduous journey ahead.

“The work is not going to take hours, this work is not going to take days, this work is not going to take weeks,” Gov Moore said.

The harbour’s closure also raised concerns for the local economy – with 140,000 jobs supported by the port – and the wider national supply chain.

In solidarity, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has pledged to accommodate additional cargo to alleviate the supply chain disruptions.

-With AFP