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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