By Trend News Line 2024-03-27 08:54:00.
Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Recovery of Bodies Continues as Salvage Operation Begins
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Two bodies have been recovered from the Patapsco River as investigators transition from a recovery mode to a salvage operation following the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge earlier this week. Crews are now focused on finding four others who fell into the water and are presumed dead.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has raised a new concern, stating that the cargo ship that collided with the bridge was carrying hazardous materials. The investigation has now entered a new phase on Thursday.
Divers have successfully located and recovered the bodies of two of the missing workers, identified as 35-year-old Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and 26-year-old Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera. Both individuals were found inside a submerged pickup truck on Wednesday.
Colonel Roland Butler of the Maryland State police stated, “Divers located a red pickup truck submerged in approximately 25 feet of water. Divers recovered two victims of this tragedy, trapped within the vehicle.”
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Among the four individuals still missing and presumed dead are Miguel Luna from El Salvador and Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval from Honduras, both fathers of multiple children.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will have to wait for the removal of debris before they can continue the search and recovery efforts for the remaining victims.
Imagery obtained from underwater drones reveals an “abundance of twisted metal and debris” from the collapsed Key Bridge, making it unsafe for divers to enter the water. The Department of Homeland Security reported that one truck and trailer have been recovered from the water, while a vehicle remains suspended from the metal structure of the collapsed bridge.
Investigators have also identified 13 damaged containers aboard the cargo ship that are currently undergoing inspection for potentially hazardous materials.
During a White House press briefing, Vice Adm. Peter Gautier of the U.S. Coast Guard reassured the public that the cargo ship was not leaking fuel or taking on water. He stated that most of the hazardous materials on board were not considered a threat to the public, with only two containers that went into the water not containing hazardous materials.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned that the cost to rebuild the bridge following the collapse would be significant and time-consuming.
The NTSB has discovered that the cargo ship was carrying 56 containers of hazardous materials, totaling 764 tons, including corrosives, flammables, and lithium-ion batteries. Some of the containers were breached, leading to a sheen on the waterway that authorities are investigating.
The Dali cargo ship, chartered by Maersk, had two deficiencies reported since its construction in 2015, including issues with propulsion and structural conditions. Danish shipping company Maersk expressed deep concern over the incident and stated that they are closely following investigations by authorities and charter vessel company Synergy Group.
As the investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse continues, authorities are working diligently to recover any remaining victims and determine the cause of the tragic incident..
Baltimore bridge collapse investigation salvage operation victims missing.
