'God show mercy': Internet expresses condolences after a body is discovered during search for missing construction workers

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: A body was reportedly pulled out during the search for six missing construction workers who fell into the river when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed. "We are hearing one body was found," Baltimore City Council Member Phylicia Porter said on CNN. 

As of now, no other details have been revealed about the body and the authorities are yet to disclose the person's identity. According to various footages circulating online, rescue teams were seen searching the Patapsco River in the aftermath of the bridge collapse, leaving vehicles submerged and workers missing.

Five vehicles are currently submerged in the river

Remains of the 1.6 mile-long bridge can be seen rooted in the bow of the vessel while teams point flashlights around the murky waters as they search for those missing in the catastrophe. Five vehicles are currently submerged in the river with six construction workers remaining missing who had been working on the bridge when it went down.

Authorities are using sonar to search the victims

Maryland authorities are using sonar to search for people who fell into the water as they were working to repair potholes on the 185-foot bridge when it collapsed. With all credit to infrared and side-scan sonar technology, officials have said that they have spotted five vehicles underwater which includes three passenger vehicles, a cement truck and a fifth vehicle. 

The ship was 20 minutes into its journey when it slammed into a support column on the bridge.

Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency 

Following the catastrophic collision, Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency on Tuesday morning, March 26. The Democrat said the ship's crew managed to issue a 'mayday' before it crashed into the bridge, which allowed officials to stop cars from going on the bridge, as per People. 

"We're thankful that between the 'mayday' and collapse that-that we had officials who were able to-to begin the stop the flow of traffic so more cars were not up on the bridge," Moore added.

What did Maryland Transportation Secretary say?

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J Wiedefeld said eight people were on the bridge when it collapsed and two of them were rescued from the water with one declining medical treatment and the other being taken to the hospital.

Wiedefeld said, "We know there were individuals on the bridge at the time of the collapse, working on the bridge, contractors for us." He said the workers were "basically doing some concrete deck repair" but said they did not know how many vehicles were involved.

President Joe Biden's crucial announcement after the incident

"This morning, I convened senior members of my team for a briefing on the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge," President Joe Biden said, adding "I've directed my Administration to ensure every federal resource is available to assist search and rescue efforts and response to this terrible incident."

The president announced the government would pay the full cost to replace the bridge and insisted it was an accident.

Internet reacts after one man turns up dead during the search for missing persons

Internet also expressed condolences after news broke out about the death of a person following the bridge collapse in Baltimore. One user wrote, "So sad to hear this" while another tweeted, "Condolences to the families who lost loved ones."

"t was so shocking incident for me," echoed one while a fourth added, "God show mercy." 'Call it manslaughter," opined one user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.