Wednesday, March 27, saw the start of recovery operations in Maryland as searchers continued to look for the six people who were thought to have died following the terrible fall of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.
A 985-foot-long tanker collided with the bridge early on Tuesday, sending parts of it tumbling into the Patapsco River. Six construction workers from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador were listed as missing, according to CNN.
The US Coast Guard, however, has now said that it will halt its extensive search and rescue operation after coming to the conclusion that the men have passed away.
Miguel Luna, 49, a husband and father of three who was born in El Salvador and has lived in Maryland for almost 20 years, was one of the people identified. When the bridge collapsed, Luna was among the workers assigned to fix its potholes, as the BBC reported.
While ongoing recovery attempts continued, Miguel Luna’s wife, María del Carmen Castellón, voiced her sadness and the family eagerly awaited news.
They merely advise us to wait and that they are unable to provide us any information at this time. We are inconsolable because we don’t know if they have already saved them and our hearts are torn. In an interview with Telemundo 44, Maria bemoaned, “We’re just waiting to hear any news.”
Among the workers who went missing was Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, 38, who was also identified as a victim. Maynor, a married father of an 18-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter, was originally from Honduras. His brother Martin Suazo stated that he had lived in the United States for almost eighteen years.
The fall occurred early on Tuesday morning while the six workers—including Maynor—were working on fixing potholes on the bridge. They worked for a nearby firm called Brawner Builders, which maintains bridges in Maryland.
Senior executive Jeffrey Pritzker of Brawner Builders emphasized the company’s dedication to safety while expressing deep dismay at the incident’s unexpected nature.
Jeffrey said, “This was so completely unforeseen.” “We’re at a loss for words. We have cones, signs, lighting, barriers, and flaggers because we take such great interest in maintaining safety. However, we never anticipated that the bridge would fall.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who are missing and thought to be deceased.
Tragic house explosion claims lives of two beloved brothers
In a tragic occurrence in Defiance, Missouri, a house explosion claimed the lives of two young boys.
Julian Keiser, four, and Jamison Keiser, six, died when their home caught fire on Friday morning. Grieving neighbors and community members remembered them as the “nicest little boys” who brought joy to all who knew them.
Evelyn Turpiano, the boys’ mother, and their grandparents, Jennifer and Vern Ham, were able to escape the burning home and reach safety. Unfortunately, the severity of the fire made it impossible for firefighters to reach Julian and Jamison in time. Despite a concerted effort from the community, rescue attempts were unsuccessful. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies, based in Florida and owners of the property where the tragedy occurred, has extended their condolences to the family as a show of support. Known for their active involvement in the local community, the Hoffmanns have been working to transform the region into the Midwest’s Napa Valley by acquiring wineries and eateries.
To support the grieving family through their devastating loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up. So far, more than $145,000 has been raised, reflecting the tremendous support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers. The funds will help cover funeral expenses and aid the family in rebuilding their lives after the loss of their home and possessions.
In a show of solidarity, the Defiance community has rallied around the grieving family. Laura Emerson, a local resident, commemorated the boys by placing a Christmas wreath on a water pump near the charred remains of their home. She adorned the wreath with two stuffed animals to celebrate the boys’ joyful spirits and the love they brought to others.
We are so very sorry for this devastating loss. May these loving boys rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.
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