5th victim’s body recovered from Baltimore Key Bridge collapse, 1 still missing

Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY
Updated ·2 min read

The body of a fifth person killed after a cargo ship lost power and rammed a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to its collapse into the Patapsco River, was recovered Wednesday, officials said.

The Baltimore Police Department identified the victim Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, of Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Gonzalez, 49, was one of six construction workers missing and presumed dead in the March 26 bridge collapse.

According to Unified Command, a joint task force made up of police, Coast Guard and other government agencies to respond to the disaster, salvage teams located one of the missing construction vehicles and immediately notified Maryland State Police.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Police and the FBI then recovered the body in a red truck, officials said.

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Sixth bridge worker still missing after collapse

Eight workers from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico were fixing potholes on the bridge when it collapsed. Two were rescued.

The sixth victim remained missing Thursday.

“We remain dedicated to the ongoing recovery operations while knowing behind each person lost in this tragedy lies a loving family,” Col. Roland L. Butler Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, 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.”

Fourth temporary channel closed to focus on 'removal of the Dali'

When the bridge collapsed, temporary alternate channels were established, three of which were open this week.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major span over the Patapsco River in Baltimore, collapsed after it was struck by a large cargo ship, prompting a massive emergency response for multiple people in the water. The Baltimore City Fire Department described the collapse as a mass-casualty incident.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major span over the Patapsco River in Baltimore, collapsed after it was struck by a large cargo ship, prompting a massive emergency response for multiple people in the water. The Baltimore City Fire Department described the collapse as a mass-casualty incident.

The Coast Guard closed a fourth channel that had been open since April 25. According to port officials, it's not expected to reopen until May 10.

The Army Corps of Engineers anticipates the Port of Baltimore's permanent 700-foot-wide, 50-foot-deep channel will reopen by the end of May, the port reported this week.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baltimore bridge collapse update: 5th body recovered, 1 still missing