Tragic bridge collapse claims lives of immigrant construction workers

Miguel Luna and Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandova were said to have been among construction employees on the bridge when it tumbled.

Overview

The devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday has claimed the lives of six construction workers, all presumed to be immigrants from Latin American countries. 

The incident occurred when the container ship Dali collided with the bridge after losing power, leading to a tragic outcome for the construction crew working on the bridge.

Victims

Reports indicate that all six victims were construction workers from Latin American countries, including Miguel Luna from El Salvador. Luna, a father of three who had resided in Maryland for over 19 years, was among those tragically lost in the collapse. 

Additionally, the foreign affairs ministry of Guatemala confirmed that two workers were Guatemalan nationals, while Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandova was identified as being from Honduras. Furthermore, reports suggest that one victim was a Mexican national, with two others hailing from Guatemala and El Salvador.

Impact

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The loss of these immigrant workers has deeply affected their communities and families, both in the United States and abroad. Many of the victims were the primary breadwinners for their families, and their tragic deaths have left loved ones grappling with profound grief and loss. 

The construction company employing the workers, Brawner Builders, has been highlighted as an example of the challenges faced by low-income immigrant workers in the construction industry.

Community Response

The immigrant services non-profit We Are Casa has offered support to the affected families, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity during this difficult time. 

Jesús Campos, a fellow construction worker, expressed his sorrow over the loss of his friends and colleagues, highlighting the close-knit nature of the immigrant community and the impact of their work on supporting families both locally and internationally.