Tractor-trailer cab crashes, falls off Delaware Memorial Bridge; recovery efforts underway

Tractor trailer cab crashes, falls off Delaware Memorial Bridge

Crews are responding to a crash on the Delaware Memorial Bridge that happened early Friday morning where a tractor trailer cab reportedly went off the side of the bridge and into the water.

NEW CASTLE, Del. - Crews are responding to a crash on the Delaware Memorial Bridge that happened early Friday morning where a tractor-trailer cab crashed through the wall and off the side of the bridge into the water below.

The cab has since been located under about 20 feet of water. 

Tractor trailer cab careens off Delaware Memorial Bridge, into river below

Crews are searching for a tractor trailer cab that careened off the Delaware Memorial Bridge early Friday morning into the Delaware River below.

What we know:

Officials confirmed Friday morning that the crash happened around 3:40 a.m. and involved a Bobtail Tractor. 

The tractor was heading southbound on the bridge into Delaware when the vehicle crossed two lanes of traffic on the downslope of the bridge and crashed into a concrete wall. 

The impact collapsed the wall and sent the vehicle careening into the Delaware River. 

No other vehicles were involved in the crash. 

Search and rescue teams arrived on the scene, including multiple dive teams as they searched for the vehicle and an unknown number of occupants.

Timeline:

Officials confirmed shortly before noon Friday that the cab had been located in approximately 20 feet of water. Crews then had to assess the safety of the area where the cab was found so they could investigate further. 

By late afternoon, first responders began partnering with contractors on site to utilize their barges and cranes.

The search for occupants in the vehicle was called off by 5 p.m., due to conditions. They will resume their search Saturday.

The left lane was closed to traffic as the investigation continued throughout the morning, but all lanes were open by the evening rush hour. 

FOX 29 crews on scene observed a large hole in one of the exterior walls of the bridge.

What they're saying:

Spokesperson for the Delaware River and Bay Authority, James Salmon, stated, "We’ve had accidents where there’s been cars on the railings, but nothing where it actually breached the concrete abutment and or the railing and ended up in the river."

The first bridge was constructed in 1951 and the second span was completed in 1968.

Pennsville resident Thomas Kearney said, "The bridge got cares on there doing the repainting and underneath putting in concrete barriers for ships. Lucky no one was working, it could've been worse. Hopefully they can find him and bring him home somewhere."

What we don't know:

Officials have not yet confirmed the number of occupants in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash also remains under investigation.