5th Body Recovered from Wreckage of Baltimore Bridge

3rd May 2024

Report : Baltimore bridge collapse: Divers find 5th victim.

Baltimore Bridge, MD (May 2nd, 2024) – Divers have recovered the remains of Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, from the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, marking the fifth confirmed fatality from the tragic collapse on March 26th. Luna Gonzalez, a Glen Burnie resident, was one of six construction workers who were reported missing after the bridge was struck by a cargo ship and plunged into the Patapsco River.

The discovery brings the confirmed death toll to five, with one worker, critically injured, the sole survivor. Luna Gonzalez’s body was found inside a submerged construction vehicle located by salvage teams during ongoing debris clearance efforts.

“Our hearts ache for the Luna Gonzalez’s family and all those impacted by this tragedy,” stated Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, in a press release. “We extend our deepest sympathies and unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Unified Command, a multi-agency task force overseeing the search and recovery operation, had previously acknowledged the possibility of finding remains trapped in hard-to-reach areas of the collapsed bridge.

Luna Gonzalez’s identification follows the recovery of four other construction workers: Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, 26, from Guatemala; Maynor Suazo Sandoval, 38, from Honduras; Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, from Mexico; and an unnamed worker from Mexico who was in his twenties.

The cause of the bridge collapse remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) alongside local and federal authorities. The initial focus centers on the actions of the cargo ship, the “Dali,” and potential communication breakdowns during the early morning hours of the incident.

The bridge collapse has had a devastating impact on Baltimore’s infrastructure and community. The 1.6-mile long bridge served as a vital transportation artery, connecting the city’s downtown core with points south. The economic ramifications are significant, with ongoing repairs and a temporary bridge replacement project expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

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Beyond the economic toll, Baltimore grapples with the human cost. The six construction workers were part of a Brawner Builders crew performing routine maintenance when the disaster struck. Tributes and memorials have poured in for the victims, highlighting their contributions to the city’s infrastructure and the tragic loss of life.

The search for the remaining missing worker continues, with the Unified Command emphasizing their commitment to a thorough and respectful recovery effort. Meanwhile, the investigation into the cause of the collapse is ongoing, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Baltimore Key Bridge collapse serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aging infrastructure and the importance of safety protocols in construction zones. As the search for the final victim continues, the city mourns the loss of its fallen workers and embarks on a long road to recovery.

Conclusion

The recovery of Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez’s body brings a somber conclusion to a search that captivated Baltimore. While the search for the remaining worker continues, the focus shifts towards rebuilding – both the physical infrastructure and the spirit of a city forever marked by this tragedy. The investigation into the cause of the collapse carries the weight of ensuring such an event never happens again.

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