Perdue Driver Killed After Truck Plunges From Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Emergency crews recovered a Perdue Farms delivery truck and found the driver dead after the vehicle plunged from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel,. The crash prompted a response from state police and local rescue teams and led to temporary traffic restrictions on the span.
Crash and emergency response
State and local emergency personnel were dispatched after the truck went over the edge of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and came to rest below the structure. Divers and marine units assisted with recovery efforts while bridge crews worked to secure the scene. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Traffic managers implemented lane and ramp restrictions on portions of the bridge-tunnel during the rescue and recovery operation, causing delays in both directions. Commuters were advised to expect slowdowns as crews moved the disabled vehicle and conducted safety checks on the span.
Investigation underway
State police opened an investigation into the circumstances that led to the truck leaving the bridge-tunnel. Investigators are examining vehicle condition, potential mechanical failure, driver activity, and roadway conditions at the time of the crash. Authorities are also reviewing available camera footage and witness statements to piece together a timeline.
The employer has been identified as Perdue Farms. Company representatives are cooperating with investigators as they work to determine what happened. No additional details about the driver’s identity or whether they were making a commercial delivery at the time have been released.
Community impact and safety concerns
The incident has raised renewed questions about safety measures on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for commercial vehicles. the span’s response protocols were activated and that structural inspections would follow once the immediate investigation and recovery were complete. Transportation officials emphasized the importance of following posted restrictions and of allowing emergency teams unobstructed access during such operations.
Any motorists who were traveling on the bridge-tunnel at the time and who may have dash-cam or other footage that could assist investigators are being asked to make that material available to law enforcement. The crash remains under active investigation, and authorities have not yet released a cause or final determination of fault.
The incident is a reminder of the hazards that can affect high-volume, high-profile crossings and of the need for continued diligence by commercial drivers and carriers. Further updates are expected as investigators complete their work and officials release additional findings.
