Six construction workers who were filling potholes on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore when a container ship rammed into one of its supports are presumed dead.
Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, told NBC News that the six individuals, who were not named, are presumed to have died from the accident.
The crew was working in the middle of the bridge when the ship struck, causing the bridge to collapse. The bodies of the six workers have not been recovered.
“This was so completely unforeseen,” Pritzker said. “We don’t know what else to say. We take such great pride in safety, and we have cones and signs and lights and barriers and flaggers.”
Jesus Campos, who has worked on the bridge for the company, said that he knew some of the members of the crew. He said that they were on a break sitting in their trucks when the ship hit.
“I know that a month ago, I was there, and I know what it feels like when the trailers pass,” Campos said. “Imagine knowing that is falling. It is so hard. One would not know what to do.”
Investigators have said that all initial signs point to the crash as an accident and that there is not any proof that terrorism was involved.
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The ship issued a mayday warning just shortly before the crash, which allowed officials to stop traffic from crossing onto the bridge before it was struck.
Earlier in the day, Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said two people were rescued from the water; one person was unharmed, while the second was rushed to the hospital in serious condition.
Six missing construction workers are presumed dead by their employer after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in Baltimore early Tuesday.
Here’s what else we know about the incident. pic.twitter.com/nHDx8SGQxr
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 26, 2024
Top officials from across the U.S. have offered assistance to help fix the situation.
President Joe Biden said that the federal government would pay the entire cost to fix the bridge.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that he directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to “offer assistance to the State of Maryland, if needed, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.”
I have directed @FLSERT to offer assistance to the State of Maryland, if needed, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The State of Florida stands willing to help and our prayers are with the victims and first responders.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 26, 2024