The Toronto Post A Consolidated News Source
The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard are tackling the complex task of removing debris from the collapsed bridge in Baltimore. Barges and cranes are en route to assist. Maryland has received $60 million in federal aid for cleanup and rebuilding.
Meanwhile, families of the deceased construction workers seek answers. Reporter Joel Senic is live at the scene.
Salvage Operation Underway
“Crews are working around the clock on the vessel and surrounding area,” Senic reports. “New video reveals the moments before the collision. This is a salvage operation, not a quick fix. It will be a long road ahead.”
Victims’ Families Grieve
The tragedy is especially painful for the families of the victims, all from Mexico and Central America. Six construction workers lost their lives, including Minar Suazo Sandal. His brother in Honduras described him as a pillar of their family.
Cause of Engine Failure Under Investigation
The Coast Guard confirms the ship underwent routine maintenance in Baltimore before departure. However, an expert cautioned against jumping to conclusions. “The ship’s inspection history looks good,” he said.
Investigators are piecing together the timeline using audio from the ship’s data recorder. The ship left the terminal at 10:39 AM on Tuesday. Alarms sounded a minute and a half later, prompting a call for tugboats. Shortly after, the anchor was dropped, and the pilot reported a power loss.
Police were notified, and bridge traffic was stopped just seconds before the collision. Investigators are still gathering information and won’t speculate on the cause of the power outage.
“We don’t know yet if it was bad fuel, a clogged water intake, or an electrical issue,” Senic said. “The investigation is ongoing.”
