UPDATE: The truck driver unfortunately passed away on the way to the hospital.
An 18 wheeler went over the side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel early this afternoon, according to officials with the CBBT.
The truck was traveling south when it went off the bridge just after noon on the Eastern Shore side.
The truck reportedly drifted a mile east of the bridge.
The truck driver survived and was standing on top of the truck after it went overboard. The latest reports say that he has been rescued by a Navy helicopter. It isn’t clear if he was injured.
Coast Guard helicopters were also in the area to assist with the rescue.
Winds of between 40 and 50 m.p.h. have been reported in the area. Level 1 restrictions were in place as of noon. As of 1 p.m., Level 2 restrictions were in place on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Northbound lanes are open but the southbound lanes are currently closed. Officials hope to reopen them soon.
NEW: Photo of the tractor-trailer that went over the side of Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnelhttps://t.co/W90fdejTAI
(Courtesy John Wray) pic.twitter.com/oyYnsgfjcJ
— The Virginian-Pilot (@virginianpilot) February 9, 2017
Sources:
The Virginian-Pilot
WTKR