Families of construction workers killed in Baltimores Key Bridge collapse file lawsuit against shipping company

Families of the construction workers who were killed in Baltimores Key Bridge collapse have filed lawsuits against the shipping company as a search for justice begins.

One of the devastated family members is Maria del Carmen Castellon, who lost her husband Miguel Luna in the tragic incident which saw him and five other men plunge to their deaths after the container ship lost power and slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge.  

She appeared alongside other victims relatives and attorneys to announce their plans to take legal action against the owner and manager of the Dali, arguing the companies acted with negligence and ignored problems on the ship before the March 26 collapse.

That day, a wound was opened in my heart that will never heal, something I would not wish on anyone, Castellon said at a news conference Tuesday.

In seeking justice for her family, Castellon said, she hopes to prevent future tragedies by advocating for safer working conditions. 

 Maria del Carmen Castellon lost her husband Miguel Luna in the tragic March 26 incident

A portrait of Miguel Luna is displayed among articles of his welding gear during a press conference in Baltimore on September 17

A livestream showed the disaster unfolding, with the vessel plowing into a pile holding up the central part of the bridge. The road and steel arches immediately tumble into the water

She wants more robust protections for immigrant workers who too often find themselves taking dangerous jobs no one else is willing to do. 

All six of the victims were Latino immigrants who came to the US seeking better-paying jobs and opportunities for their families. 

Most had lived in the country for many years, including Luna, who grew up in El Salvador. He left behind five children.

Castellon explained how the pair had a food truck business together and that Luna would often go straight from a construction shift to helping her in the truck.

She said the business symbolized their shared vision for the future and just days before his death, Luna surprised her with a visit to the storefront they hoped to rent.

Every mile driven in that food truck, every vegetable chopped took us a step closer to our dreams, she said.

She recalled how he stopped by the food truck before heading to work the last time. She gave him dinner and he gave her a kiss.

Castellon displayed a pair of her husbands old welding uniforms, noting holes in the fabric caused by flying sparks.

Gustavo Torres, executive director of the Maryland-based advocacy group CASA, said it should come as no surprise that the victims of the collapse were immigrant workers. 

He said their suffering must not be brushed under the rug by corporate interests.

No financial loss can compare to the loss of human life, Torres said at the news conference, calling the victims six irreplaceable souls whose loved ones are trying to pick up the pieces after their worlds were destroyed in an instant.

The Dali is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and managed by Synergy Marine Group, both of Singapore. 

The companies filed a court petition days after the collapse seeking to limit their legal liability, a routine procedure for cases litigated under US maritime law. 

The joint filing seeks to cap their liability at roughly $43.6 million in what could become the most expensive marine casualty case in history.

Darrell Wilson, a spokesperson for the ships owner, said the victims upcoming challenge was anticipated and noted there is a September 24 deadline for such filings in the case. 

Several other interested parties, including city officials and local businesses, have already filed opposing claims accusing the companies of negligence. 

Filings on behalf of the victims and their families are expected in coming days.

Castellon appeared alongside other victims relatives and attorneys to announce their plans to take legal action against the owner and manager of the Dali

She wants more robust protections for immigrant workers who too often find themselves taking dangerous jobs no one else is willing to do

A view of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26, 2024, which claimed the lives of six 

The ship involved was the 948 foot long Dali, a Singaporean-flagged container which could be seen on ship tracking websites positioned stationary under the bridge following the crash

A last-minute mayday call from the ships pilot allowed police officers to stop traffic to the bridge, but they didnt have time to alert the road work crew. 

Most of the men were sitting in their construction vehicles during a break and had no warning. 

One survived falling from the bridge by manually opening the window of his truck and climbing out into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River.

Following the disaster, salvage divers worked around the clock to recover the victims bodies. 

The underwater wreckage blocked the main channel into the Port of Baltimore for months, disrupting East Coast shipping routes and putting many longshoremen temporarily out of work.

Preliminary findings from a National Transportation Safety Board investigation show that the Dali experienced a series of electrical issues before and after leaving the Port of Baltimore. 

The ship was destined for Sri Lanka when it experienced a power blackout and lost steering at the worst possible moment. 

The FBI launched an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the crash.

A plan is underway to rebuild the bridge, but it could take years.

Meanwhile, Castellón said she plans to continue pursuing her dream of opening a restaurant - now in her husbands honor.

I know he is up there watching down on me, celebrating all of the victories with me, she said. I will continue to make him proud.