Fifth Body Recovered from Wreckage of Baltimore’s Key Bridge by Divers

A fifth body has been recovered from the wreckage of the Francis Key Bridge, leaving only one person still missing after the collapse that occurred while six workers were repairing potholes. The Unified Command has located another construction vehicle belonging to the road repair crew on the bottom and passed the information to the search and recovery dive team of the Maryland State Police. The victim has been identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, and authorities are asking for support and sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy.

The cost of replacing the Key Bridge has been estimated at around $1.9 billion, with construction expected to last until 2028. The White House and the state of Maryland are hoping the federal government will cover the full cost upfront, with the intention of recouping damages from the vessel’s owners and insurers through a civil court process. One insurer, Chubb, has agreed to pay the state $350 million, the maximum limit on the policy, and will join others in seeking damages from the shipowner, Grace Ocean Ltd.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a criminal inquiry into the incident to determine if any laws were broken when the vessel set sail. If criminal charges are brought, it could provide an additional opportunity for the federal government to recover damages through a trial or negotiated settlement agreement. The situation remains complex as efforts continue to recover victims, assess the damage, and determine responsibility for the tragedy.

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