Immigrant construction workers missing after Baltimore bridge collapse, group says

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) — Six immigrant construction workers remain missing and are presumed dead after the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to local media and Global Refuge.

The missing workers are part of a crew fixing potholes when a cargo ship struck the bridge.

The contractor working with the Maryland Transportation Authority told the Baltimore Banner that the missing workers are from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, and live in Dundalk and Highlandtown. They are in their 30s and 40s.

Global Refuge, one of the nation's largest immigration services nonprofits, is headquartered in Baltimore. In a statement, President and CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah said they are profoundly heartbroken and their thoughts are with those missing, their loved ones, our first responders,

She said catastrophes such as Tuesday's disproportionately affect the city's immigrant community, which often toils in demanding and dangerous jobs.

"Bridges can be rebuilt, but the damage inflicted on these families can never fully be repaired. We pray that those missing be found, and that all those impacted by this tragedy find strength, healing, and comfort during this incredibly trying time," Vignarajah said.

The container ship lost power and rammed into the bridge, causing the span to buckle into the river below.

The collapse plunged a construction crew into the dangerously cold waters.

Rescuers pulled out two people, but six others were missing and presumed dead.

The ship's crew issued a mayday call moments before the crash took down the bridge. The Maryland governor said the mayday enabled authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the span.

"We know our city is strong," Vignarajah said. "We know we can and we will rebuild. And we also know the contributions of our immigrant brothers and sisters will continue to be essential in that effort. No matter our country of origin, Baltimore is home and we're immeasurably stronger when we pull together under the banner of our common humanity."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.