The driver of a semi truck has died after his rig was blown off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge by strong winds on Thursday.
According to Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel director Thomas Anderson, the truck broke through the bridge’s guardrail and plunged into the bay around 12:30 p.m. The driver was spotted standing on top of the floating rig and was picked up by a Navy helicopter around 12:45 p.m. He later died from his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
The accident happened around milepost 15 on the southbound lanes.
Winds up to 40 mph were reported over the bridge at the time of the accident and a level 1 wind restriction was in effect. After the crash, winds up to 47 mph were reported and the wind restriction was elevated to level 2, which prevents tractor trailers hauling less than 30,000 pounds from crossing the bridge.
The name of the driver has not been released.
NBC12 released this footage at the site of the accident.