Rédaction Africa Links 24 with BBC
Published on 2024-03-28 07:46:17
The tragic incident of the Baltimore bridge collapse has left two bodies recovered from a red pickup truck submerged underwater. The bridge collapse occurred when a ship struck the structure, causing eight construction workers to fall into the waters below.
Out of the eight workers, two were rescued on the day of the collapse, but the search continues for the other four who are presumed dead. Salvage crews are currently working to address hazardous materials, while accident investigators are on the scene to determine the cause of the collapse.
During a press conference, Maryland State Police identified Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, as the two workers recovered from inside the truck. Mr. Fuentes was from Mexico, and Mr. Cabrera was from Guatemala. Unfortunately, divers are unable to safely navigate the waters due to concrete and debris from the bridge. They are now using sonar scans to locate vehicles that may contain other bodies.
The names of two other missing victims, Miguel Luna from El Salvador and Maynor Suazo Sandoval from Honduras, have also been released. Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that two of its citizens were presumed deceased, with one identified as Mr. Fuentes.
Despite the efforts of first responders and divers, the search for the remaining victims has been challenging due to the conditions in the Patapsco River. The US Coast Guard called off the search as the workers were presumed dead due to cold water temperatures and the time that had passed since the collapse.
Officials have promised to find the bodies of the men to provide closure for their families. Governor of Maryland Wes Moore assured that every available resource would be dedicated to the search and recovery efforts.
The operation has faced obstacles, with divers navigating chilly waters and metal debris from the collapsed bridge. The cargo vessel involved in the incident is stable but carries significant amounts of fuel oil and hazardous materials. The US Navy plans to use heavy lift cranes to remove parts of the fallen bridge from the water.
Investigations into the cause of the ship’s sudden loss of power and subsequent crash are ongoing. Officials are hoping that data from the ship’s recorder will provide critical information regarding the incident.
The collapse of the Baltimore bridge has raised concerns about the impact on global supply chains and the US economy. The port plays a crucial role in transporting goods worth billions of dollars annually and is vital to the local and global economy.
Officials are working to address the economic impact of the collapse and ensure that the shipping lane is reopened promptly. The replacement of the bridge will be a lengthy process, but efforts are underway to design a new structure as quickly as possible.
The incident has highlighted the importance of maritime safety and the need to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Investigations are ongoing to determine the role of contaminated fuel in the deadly crash and to implement measures to enhance safety standards in the shipping industry.
Read the original article on The Namibian
