BALTIMORE — An organization called Latino Racial Justice Circle has started an online fundraiser to support the families of the missing workers who are presumed dead after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on Tuesday. Six workers were working to fill potholes on the bridge when it was hit by a container ship and fell into the water.
Tuesday afternoon, people who knew the unaccounted workers said they were hopeful but now, as search and rescue efforts transform into a recovery mission, the reality is setting in that those six workers may not be coming home.
"My heart goes out to the families," said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. "This is a... I can't imagine how painful tonight has been."
Latino Racial Justice Circle, a nonprofit organization promoting community development through immigrant integration, has started a fundraiser to raise a total of $60,000 for the families, meaning $10,000 for each family.
Maryland officials have not shared any of the workers' names. However, the regional consuls of El Salvador, Mexico, and Guatemala confirmed that their nationals are among the men who are not accounted for.
"Our people are involved," said Consul General of Mexico in Washington, D.C. Rafael Laveaga. "It was a crew who was repairing ... potholes on the bridge. And they are going to be the ones that build the bridge again, the Latino workforce."
The consul of Guatemala tells WUSA9 at least two of the men are from her country. A press release from the consulate says the two men are 26 and 35 years old, but did not confirm their identities as they are working to meet with family members in Guatemala.
In a statement Wednesday, CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres confirmed the identity of one of the men killed in the collapse as Miguel Luna.
“In the aftermath of the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, our hearts ache for the families of the victims and all those impacted by this horrific accident," Torres said. "Sadly, we discovered that one of the construction workers involved was a longtime member of our CASA family, adding an even deeper layer of sorrow to this already grievous situation."
According to Torres, Luna was a husband and a father of three originally from El Salvador. He had been living in Maryland for 19 years.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser has raised more than $20,000. Those wishing to contribute can do so here.
RELATED: 'Heroes' scrambled to stop traffic before Baltimore bridge collapsed; construction crew feared dead
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