Police rescue truck driver who ran off bridge-tunnel
All southbound lanes of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel were closed for a period of time Wednesday afternoon after a tractor-trailer carrying soybeans ran off the bridge into the waters below.
The accident, which happened at 3:15 p.m., damaged 200 feet of guard rail at the 14-mile post southbound, said Thomas Anderson, deputy director of the bridge-tunnel.
Virginia Beach Police was able to rescue the male driver from the water at 3:57 p.m., according to a press release from the Coast Guard. The man was taken to emergency services and was in reported to be in stable condition.
"Many thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Police for quickly throwing the life preserver to the truck driver, and thanks to the Virginia Beach Police and Fire marine units who recovered him from the water," said Capt. Chris Keane, commander Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads. "Because of their quick actions the truck driver is now stabilized and receiving the care he needs."
It appeared that the driver was attempting to pass a slow-moving vehicle and lost control, but the exact cause for the accident is still undetermined, Anderson said.
At 4 p.m., all lanes on the bridge-tunnel were open except for the lane near the damaged guard rail and the lane where the life ring is attached.
Wednesday's accident happened just nine days after a tractor-trailer caught on fire on the northernmost island of the bridge-tunnel. The fire resulted in all lanes being shut down for a period as firefighters put out the blaze.