A tractor-trailer cab crashed through a barrier and plunged into the Delaware River early Friday from the southbound span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and the driver was dead, authorities said.
According to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the vehicle — a bobtail tractor cab, which operates without an attached trailer — was located in approximately 20 feet of water around 10:45 a.m.
No information has been released about the driver’s identity, and officials have not confirmed whether anyone else was inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Recovery personnel arrived on-site this morning at approximately 6:00 a.m. Water and tide conditions delayed the recovery effort, which actively began at approximately 9:00 a.m.
Emergency recovery resources and personnel, including a crane and barge repositioned from the active construction site of the Bridge Ship Collision Protection project, coordinated efforts to successfully recover both the Bobtail tractor and a deceased male occupant from the Delaware River at approximately 11:10 a.m. Delaware State Police Marine dive unit and Holloway Terrace Fire Company were instrumental in this morning’s successful recovery operation. Emergency personnel used a Hurst tool to extricate the body from the cab, and the Delaware Medical Examiner has taken possession of the remains.
Emergency crews remained at the scene into Friday afternoon, using a barge and crane to assist in recovery operations. Officials are also working to secure the area of the bridge that sustained impact damage and to prevent debris from falling during the recovery.
Images posted by the authority show the damaged section of the bridge wall where the cab went over.
The driver of a tractor cab that crashed off the Delaware Memorial Bridge into the river is presumed dead as recovery efforts continue.
