Body of fourth victim found weeks after Baltimore Bridge collapse

The body of the fourth victim of the Baltimore bridge collapse has been found. Rescue teams discovered the body submerged in a recovered construction vehicle.

The bridge collapsed on March 26 after a large container ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge, killing six people.

Earlier on Monday (April 15), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) opened a criminal probe into the deadly collapse, US-based media outlets reported citing sources.

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Eight construction workers were on the bridge when the disaster struck. A collision with the massive container ship Dali sent them plunging into the Patapsco River below.

Two workers were fortunate to be rescued the same day, and a search continued for the missing. Two bodies were recovered within two days of the incident, followed by the discovery of Maynor Yasir Suazo Sandoval earlier this month.

The fourth victim was identified on Monday by the chief medical examiner's office, a day after the body was recovered.

However, in accordance with the family's wishes, the victim's name will not be released.

"This tragedy has claimed precious lives," said Colonel Roland Butler, Jr., superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, on Monday evening. "As we mourn their loss and continue recovery efforts, we remember that each missing individual was deeply loved by their family and friends."

Also on Monday, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice confirmed the "FBI is present aboard the cargo ship Dali conducting court-authorised law enforcement activity".

No information will be shared publicly on the investigation, the spokesperson said.

Presently, work is underway to clear the wreckage and restore traffic through the Mid-Atlantic state's shipping channel.

Last week, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said that investigators are focusing on the electrical power system of the massive container ship.

The ship experienced power issues and veered off course moments before the crash, as evidenced in videos showing its lights going out and coming back on.

Baltimore also released a statement on Monday, stating that the city "will take decisive action to hold responsible all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and the manufacturer of the M/V Dali, as well as any other potentially liable third parties."

(With inputs from agencies)