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Biden to visit Baltimore bridge collapse site

President Biden pledged to visit Baltimore, asserting his intention to do so alongside Maryland Governor Wes Moore….reports Asian Lite News

President Joe Biden is set to visit Baltimore this Friday to survey the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, as announced by the White House on Monday, The Hill reported.

“We are with you Baltimore, and we will be there to get this done,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said while making the announcement.

President Biden pledged to visit Baltimore, asserting his intention to do so alongside Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Following the early Tuesday morning collapse, Biden expressed his determination to arrive at the scene “as quickly as he can.”

Jean-Pierre emphasised Biden’s steadfast leadership in coordinating a comprehensive government response to the tragedy. She highlighted the collaborative efforts between Biden and Governor Moore aimed at reopening the affected port and initiating bridge reconstruction.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, situated on Interstate 695, occurred when the cargo ship Dali struck it around 1:30 am Tuesday, en route to Sri Lanka, according to The Hill.

In a firm commitment to aid in the reconstruction efforts, President Biden assured that the federal government would cover the costs. However, this stance faced opposition from conservative spending advocates. Notwithstanding, the Department of Transportation has allocated USD 16 million as an initial contribution, labeled by Jean-Pierre as a “down payment.”

She affirmed the administration’s ongoing dialogue with Congress regarding further assistance, emphasising President Biden’s determination to facilitate the swift restoration of the bridge.

Acting Labour Secretary Julie Su convened in Baltimore on Monday for discussions with stakeholders, further underscoring the government’s commitment to support the affected community. Additionally, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Baltimore on the day of the collapse.

Despite the absence of a definitive timeline for the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, officials have cautioned that the bridge reconstruction process will require “some time” to complete, The Hill reported. (ANI)

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Baltimore victims include those from Mexico, Guatemala

Officials refrained from specifying the exact number of missing Mexican nationals when he addressed reporters near the scene on Tuesday….reports Asian Lite News

Among those reported missing following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in the US are Mexican nationals, CNN reported, citing Rafael Laveaga, Chief of the Consular Section of Mexico’s Embassy in Washington.

Laveaga refrained from specifying the exact number of missing Mexican nationals when he addressed reporters near the scene on Tuesday.

A reporter asked Laveaga: “It’s our understanding that some of these victims might have families or backgrounds from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador. What can you tell us?”

“Yes, nationalities involve all the countries that you mentioned and that’s why we’re here as well, because we know our people are involved,” Laveaga told reporters, according to CNN.

“It was a crew who was repairing parts of the, I think potholes on the bridge, and they’re the ones who are going to build the bridge again – the Latinos.”

Laveaga mentioned that it was too early to ascertain the nationalities of all the victims.

“Accidents happen and it was a very unfortunate tragedy,” he remarked.

The Guatemalan Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday that two of the construction workers missing since the bridge collapse were from Guatemala.

The US Coast Guard has ceased its active rescue efforts for the six missing people.

“This evening, @USCG announced that they are suspending rescue operations at Key Bridge. Tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM @MDSP will begin recovery in coordination with our partners,” said Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, in a post on X.

“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We will continue to work in partnership with leaders at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure that we can provide all those affected with the closure they deserve,” the post added.

Over 1,000 personnel from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are mobilising to aid in the aftermath of the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, as reported by CNN.

According to a USACE news release on Tuesday, this team comprises specialists in engineering, construction, contracting, and operations. They will collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to dismantle the bridge and restore the federal shipping channel.

“Our thoughts are with those impacted by the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” Baltimore District Commander Col Estee Pinchasin said.

“Our emergency managers are closely monitoring the incident and coordinating with partner agencies for any potential support requests.”

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