By Trend News Line 2024-05-08 11:45:22.
In a tragic turn of events, salvage teams have recovered the body of a sixth construction worker, believed to be the final victim who went missing after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Jose Mynor Lopez of Baltimore, Maryland. His body was found on May 7 at the scene of the bridge’s collapse, according to the Key Bridge Response Unified Command.
The Maryland State police, along with an FBI victim specialist and linguist, and a team of mental health professionals, have notified the victim’s family members after a positive identification was confirmed. Col. Roland Butler Jr., superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, expressed his condolences in a statement, marking a significant milestone in the recovery efforts and providing closure to the loved ones of the six workers who lost their lives in the tragic event.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also expressed his deep gratitude to the Unified Command and rescue teams for their tireless efforts in recovering all the victims. The Mayor emphasized the importance of bringing each of these Marylanders home to their families, providing a small amount of peace and closure in the face of such a devastating loss.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse occurred when a massive cargo ship lost power and struck the bridge in the early hours of March 26. Eight construction workers were on the bridge at the time, repairing potholes. While two were rescued, the remaining six were reported missing. The bodies of two workers were recovered on March 27, and the third victim’s body was found on April 5. Subsequent recovery efforts led to the identification of two more victims in April and May.
The Dali container ship remains stationary amid the wreckage, but plans are in place to refloat and remove the vessel to allow maritime traffic to resume through Baltimore’s port. The Port of Baltimore expects the removal process to be completed by May 10.
The Maryland Department of Transportation has announced plans to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the next four years, with an estimated cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion. The new span is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2028, pending detailed engineering specifics confirmation.
An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that some containers on the ship were carrying hazardous materials, though no pollution has been reported. The agency estimates the damage to the bridge and vessel to exceed $500,000.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of the six workers, the recovery efforts and rebuilding plans serve as a somber reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on that fateful day in March. The resilience and unity displayed by the Unified Command and rescue teams in the face of such adversity are a testament to the strength of the Baltimore community..
1. Baltimore Bridge Collapse Victim Recovery
2. Baltimore Bridge Collapse Final Victim Found.