UPDATED: North Carolina Man Dies after Tractor Trailer Went Overboard from Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Sunday Morning
Image courtesy VDOT
UPDATED – 7:30pm –Early Sunday morning a tractor trailer from Perdue Farms went overboard on the west side of the southbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel just south of Fisherman’s Island in Virginia.
The driver has been identified as 61 year old Ronnie Andrews of North Carolina – his body, as well as the truck and trailer, were recovered Sunday evening.
The crash caused damage to the guardrail and curb which will take several days to repair, however there is a single lane open to traffic on the southbound side. The investigation by the CBBT Police is ongoing – the cause of the crash remains undetermined, however officials say weather was not a factor.
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UPDATED – 2:15pm – A southbound Perdue Farms truck went off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel around 6:30 Sunday morning – into the water just south of Fisherman’s Island. The US Coast Guard and Virginia Beach Marine Police assisted in searching for the driver of the rig, who has died in this crash. The CBBT Police continue to investigate what caused this crash. All south lanes on the CBBT have reopened.
Perdue Farms Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications Andrea Staub sent this statement to the Talk of Delmarva:
“We are heartbroken to confirm that a Perdue driver has passed away following an accident on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge‑Tunnel. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. He had been a valued member of our team, and his loss will be deeply felt across our organization.”
“We are cooperating fully with authorities as they continue their investigation.”
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UPDATED – 9:25am – Around 6:30 a.m. on February 15, a southbound tractor trailer was involved in a single vehicle accident near North Channel Bridge of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The truck has gone overboard on the west-side of the southbound span just south of Fisherman’s Island. US Coast Guard and Virginia Beach Marine Police are assisting in the search for the driver.
The facility has sustained guardrail and curb damage. CBBT Maintenance crews are responding to make emergency repairs.
A single lane of traffic is currently open in the southbound direction around the scene of the accident. The lane closure will remain in place until maintenance crews are able to complete repairs.
The accident investigation is being conducted by CBBT Police and remains ongoing.
No other details are available at this this time. Additional updates will be provided when they are available.
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UPDATE – 9am – All south lanes remain closed
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A crash this morning on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Official say that around 6:30am a southbound tractor trailer was involved in a single vehicle accident near North Channel Bridge of the facility. The truck went overboard on the west side of the southbound span just south of Fisherman’s Island.
The Bridge has sustained damage to the guardrail and curb and maintenance crews are preparing to make emergency repairs. The US Coast Guard is assisting in the search.
Motorists should expect delays while the scene is being cleared – southbound traffic should be reopened around 8:45am.