Maryland officials unveiled plans to reconstruct the Francis Scott Key Bridge following its collapse in late March, aiming to complete the project by the fall of 2028 at an estimated cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, the Associated Press reported.
The tragedy, which claimed the lives of six roadwork crew members, prompted a swift response from state authorities. On May 8, authorities announced they had found the final missing person, identified as José Mynor López, 37, originally from Guatemala.
Divers previously recovered the bodies of Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, 26, originally from Guatemala; Maynor Suazo Sandoval, 38, originally from Honduras; Alejandro Hernández Fuentes, 35, originally from Mexico; Carlos Daniel Hernandez, who was in his 20s and was originally from Mexico; and Miguel Ángel Luna González, 49 and originally from El Salvador.
“We pray for José Mynor López, his family, and all those who love him," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. "It is with solemn relief that he will be reunited with his loved ones, and we ask, again, to respect the family’s request for privacy during this difficult time.
"To the friends, family, and loved ones of Alejandro Hernández Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, Carlos Hernández and Miguel Ángel Luna González -- we continue to pray for your healing, peace and closure. We remain steadfast in our commitment to enduring support and will forever remember the lives of these six Marylanders," Moore said.
Moore thanked the tireless work of the Unified Command, including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Maryland State Police, for their effort in recovering all of the victims.
Amidst the recovery efforts, there's been progress in insurance negotiations. The broker for the bridge’s insurance policy confirmed May 2 a $350 million payout to the state of Maryland, with more expected in the future.
Chubb, the insurer, is gearing up to make the initial payout, as confirmed by Douglas Menelly, a spokesperson for WTW, the broker. The Maryland Transportation Authority has already filed claims against the insurance policies.
Maryland transportation officials said the cost estimates for the bridge's reconstruction are consistent with similar large-scale projects. They anticipate various funding sources, including federal aid and insurance proceeds.
Efforts are also underway to resume maritime traffic through Baltimore’s port, with plans to refloat and remove the Dali container ship, which has been immobile since the collapse. Salvage and demolition crews are working tirelessly to clear the wreckage, including a controlled demolition of remaining debris.
The operations involve sophisticated equipment, including what officials have described as the country's largest hydraulic grabber and one of the largest cranes on the Eastern Seaboard.
