Truck Driver Dies After Semi Plunges Off Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia, Perdue Trailer Found in Water
VIRGINIA — A truck driver has been confirmed dead after a tractor-trailer went off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel early Sunday morning, February 15, 2026, in a crash that sent the rig into the water.
What Happened on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
The crash happened around 6:30 a.m. near the North Channel Bridge on the southbound span south of Fisherman’s Island, where the semi reportedly struck a guardrail before plunging off the west side of the bridge. The incident triggered an immediate emergency response as crews worked the scene and authorities began search efforts in the water below.
Officials have not publicly released the driver’s identity, and investigators have not yet confirmed what caused the truck to leave the roadway.
Perdue Trailer Involved, Company Confirms Driver’s Death
The trailer involved in the crash displayed a Perdue Farms logo, and the company later confirmed the driver’s death in a statement. Perdue also expressed condolences and said it is cooperating fully with investigators as authorities work to determine exactly what led up to the crash.
The confirmation came after search and response operations continued following the initial report of the vehicle going off the bridge.
Response Effort and When Lanes Reopened
The U.S. Coast Guard conducted search operations after the tractor-trailer went into the water, supporting the broader response following the crash. Meanwhile, emergency crews temporarily closed lanes to address damage at the scene, including repairs tied to the impacted guardrail.
Authorities said lanes were reopened by approximately 9:22 a.m., restoring traffic flow on the bridge-tunnel after the morning shutdown.
A Similar Fatal Crash Happened in 2023
Officials also noted that a similar incident occurred in June 2023, when another tractor-trailer went off the bridge after striking a curb and blowing a tire, resulting in the driver’s death. That earlier tragedy is now resurfacing as investigators work to understand whether any similar factors were involved in Sunday’s crash.
If you drove through the area Sunday morning or witnessed the emergency response near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, share what you saw and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
