By Trend News Line 2024-03-28 13:32:00.
**The Tragic Incident at Francis Scott Key Bridge**
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In a devastating turn of events, the bodies of two men were recovered on Wednesday from the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. The collapse, which occurred early Tuesday, was caused by a large container ship hitting a support column, sending people and vehicles plunging into the Patapsco River below.
**Transition to Salvage Effort**
With four people still missing and presumed dead, recovery efforts were paused on Wednesday. The focus has now shifted to removing the ruins of the bridge, which was once a vital route for over 30,000 vehicles each day. Officials believe that vehicles are encased in the bridge debris, making it unsafe for divers to operate.
**Navy Mobilizes Barges to Clear Debris**
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The Navy has stepped in to assist with the salvage operation, mobilizing barges outfitted with heavy lift cranes to clear the channel of debris. Three cranes with varying lift capacities are expected, along with support vessels to remove submerged portions of the bridge. However, the arrival time of these resources remains unclear.
**Victims Identified**
The two men recovered from the river have been identified as 35-year-old Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and 26-year-old Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera. Both men were found in a red pickup truck 25 feet deep in the Patapsco River. Three of the missing workers have also been identified, with origins from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
**Perilous Search Conditions**
The recovery mission at the Key Bridge site is being led by the Coast Guard, but conditions in the water are proving to be challenging. Changing currents, low visibility, and sharp metal objects have made it dangerous for divers and first responders. Recovery operations have been scheduled to resume early on Wednesday morning, despite ongoing rain complicating the search efforts.
**Ship’s “Power Issue” Prior to Collision**
An unclassified memo revealed that the ship reported losing propulsion as it was leaving Baltimore Harbor, leading to a collision with the bridge. Authorities were notified of the issue, allowing for a mayday call and the quick response of emergency personnel to the scene. The ship’s pilot had warned of a potential collision just moments before the bridge collapsed.
**Maritime Expert’s Response**
In response to the ship’s collision with the bridge, a maritime expert highlighted the importance of communication and quick action in such situations. The actions taken by the authorities, including the stoppage of traffic on the bridge, likely saved many lives and allowed for a rapid emergency response.
**Significance of Francis Scott Key Bridge**
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which crosses the Patapsco River, serves as a crucial link in the Baltimore Beltway connecting Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The bridge was built in 1977 to alleviate congestion at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and was heavily utilized by commuters and cargo traffic. Its collapse has had a profound impact on the transportation infrastructure in the region.
In conclusion, the tragic incident at the Francis Scott Key Bridge has not only claimed lives but has also highlighted the importance of safety measures and emergency response protocols in maritime transportation. As recovery efforts continue and investigations unfold, the community mourns the loss of those affected by this devastating event..
– bodies recovered vehicle underwater Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse site
– bodies recovered vehicle underwater Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse site.
