Baltimore, Maryland – In the early hours of March 26, Julio Cervantes Suarez found himself in a nightmare scenario after a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge where he and six other construction workers were taking a break from their pothole repair work. As the ship collided with a support pillar, his colleagues were sent plunging into the Patapsco River below, with Cervantes Suarez’s own vehicle soon following suit.

Despite the chaos and the sinking vehicle, Cervantes Suarez managed to escape by manually rolling down the windows and swimming to safety. He recounted the terrifying incident, which left him as one of only two survivors, in an interview with NBC News. The emotional footage of the interview was broadcasted, shedding light on the harrowing experience for viewers.

The survivor, still grappling with physical pain, revealed the heartbreaking moment when he called out to his co-workers by name, only to receive no responses. The loss of his nephew, whom he considered a son, was particularly devastating as he recalled the events leading up to the tragedy.

As federal investigators delve into the cause of the crash, questions have arisen about the preparedness of authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future. The halt in trade at the Port of Baltimore has also raised concerns about the economic impact of such disasters, prompting a criminal investigation into the Dali’s crew’s potential knowledge of system problems prior to the collision.

Cervantes Suarez’s plea for accountability echoes the sentiments of many affected by the tragedy, emphasizing the need for those responsible to face the consequences of their actions. However, he acknowledges the harsh reality that no amount of compensation can undo the pain and loss experienced by families like his own. In the face of such devastation, he remains haunted by the “what-ifs” and the profound absence of loved ones lost in the darkness of that night.

The aftermath of the bridge collapse serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of stringent safety measures in all aspects of infrastructure and transportation. The emotional toll on survivors like Cervantes Suarez reverberates through communities, urging both authorities and individuals to prioritize awareness, precaution, and accountability in the face of unforeseen disasters.