Body of fifth missing worker found more than a month after Baltimore bridge collapse
BALTIMORE — Authorities said they have recovered the body of a fifth person who was missing after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge more than a month ago.
The collapse shut down the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest in the country. On Thursday, the broker for the bridge’s insurance policy confirmed that a $350-million payout will be made to the state of Maryland in what is expected to be the first of many related to the collapse.
Six members of a roadwork crew plunged to their deaths on March 26 when a container ship lost power and crashed into one of the bridge’s supporting columns. The Key Bridge Response Unified Command identified the victim found Wednesday as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, of Glen Burnie, Md. All of the victims were Latino immigrants who came to the U.S. from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
Chubb, the company that insured the bridge, is preparing to make the $350-million payment, according to WTW, the broker. Douglas Menelly, a spokesperson for WTW, on Thursday confirmed plans for the payout, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Chubb did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The National Transportation Safety Board recovered the ship’s data recorder and will construct a timeline of events leading up to the crash.
Salvage teams found one of the construction vehicles that plunged from the bridge Wednesday and notified the Maryland State Police, officials said.
State Police investigators and Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers and the FBI responded, recovering the body from the truck. The State Police underwater recovery team and crime scene unit assisted.
“We remain dedicated to the ongoing recovery operations while knowing behind each person lost in this tragedy lies a loving family,” Maryland State Police Supt. Roland Butler said in a statement. “Along with our local, state and federal partners, we ask that everyone extend their deepest sympathies and support to the families during this difficult time.”
The Dali container ship has been stationary amid the wreckage since the collapse, but crews plan to refloat and remove the ship within days, allowing more maritime traffic to resume through Baltimore’s port. Officials expect to have it removed by May 10, according to a Port of Baltimore news release.
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