Recovery efforts are underway after a tractor trailer cab fell off the Delaware Memorial Bridge into the water below in New Castle County, Delaware, officials said.
According to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, around 3:40 a.m. on Friday, July 11, a Bobtail Tractor traveling southbound on the Delaware Memorial Bridge into Delaware crossed three lanes of traffic, onto the concrete pad near the Delaware anchorage, and crashed into a concrete wall.
Officials said the tractor’s impact collapsed the concrete wall, and the tractor careened into the Delaware River.
The accident occurred on the downslope of the Delaware-bound bridge. No other vehicles were impacted, according to officials.
Delaware River and Bay Authority
Delaware River and Bay Authority
The scene at the Delaware Memorial Bridge. (Delaware River and Bay Authority)
Officials said that at this time, the number of people in the tractor is unknown.
Search and rescue units are at the scene, including dive teams from New Castle County Emergency Management, State of Delaware Special Operations Dive Team, Delaware State Police Marine Unit / Dive Team, Wilmington Police, Holloway Terrace and Minquadale Fire Companies, DNREC, Wilmington Fire Marine Unit and U.S. Coast Guard Air and Marine units.
Delaware River and Bay Authority
Delaware River and Bay Authority
Delaware River and Bay Authority
Delaware River and Bay Authority
Officials said that the truck has been located, and divers are assessing the safety of the scene underwater before investigating further.
According to officials, the cab was found in approximately 20 feet of water.
Currently, the left lane is closed to traffic, officials said. The accident remains under investigation.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.