In a tragic incident on the night of March 26, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, witnessed a catastrophic collapse, leading to the likely deaths of two dedicated workers and leaving six others buried under the rubble.
Miguel Luna, aged 49, and Maynar Suazo, aged 37, were among the construction crew working tirelessly to maintain the iconic bridge. Luna, a father of three, had proudly shared his work experiences on social media, expressing gratitude for being able to support his family through his job.
Suazo, a father of two, had migrated to the United States 18 years ago from Honduras, seeking a better life for himself and his loved ones. His recent college graduation had brought immense joy to his family, but now they face the grim reality of mourning his presumed death.
The devastating collapse occurred around 1:30 a.m. when a cargo ship collided with one of the bridge’s support beams, causing it to crumble into the Patapsco River. Despite the valiant efforts of emergency responders, only two of the eight workers could be rescued from the water.
“The only information we have is that we have to wait, that for now they canโt give us information,” expressed Maria del Carmen Castellรณn, Lunaโs wife, in an emotional interview with Telemundo 44. She added, “[We feel] devastated, devastated because we have a broken heart, because we donโt know if theyโve already rescued them. Weโre waiting to hear some news.”
Governor Wes Moore praised the heroic actions of the emergency responders who worked tirelessly to save lives amidst challenging conditions. He stated, “By being able to stop cars from coming over the bridge, these people are heroes. They saved lives last night,” acknowledging the selfless acts of bravery during the rescue efforts.
The families of the missing workers, including Luna and Suazo, are enduring an agonizing wait for news, hoping for a miracle amidst the wreckage. Their loved ones describe their feelings as “devastated” and express the pain of not knowing the fate of their beloved family members.
The collapsed bridge has triggered a massive search and recovery operation, with efforts ongoing to locate the missing workers and bring closure to their families. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those in the construction industry and highlights the bravery of individuals who risked their lives to save others.
“Our prayers to see you again and continue to enjoy your joy and enthusiasm,” expressed a family friend in a heartfelt tribute to Suazo, reflecting on his positive impact within the community. The community mourns the loss of these dedicated workers and honors them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.