CAPE CHARLES, Va. — A tractor-trailer crash on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel claimed the life of 61-year-old Ronnie Andrews of Robersonville, N.C., on Sunday morning.
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. near the North Channel Bridge on the southbound span, just south of Fisherman Island. The truck reportedly went over the guardrails into the water below.
Perdue Farms confirmed Andrews was a valued driver for the company, expressing condolences to his family and colleagues. “We are heartbroken to confirm that a Perdue driver died following an accident on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel,” a spokesperson stated.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, noting that weather conditions were not a factor. “Fair visibility” and low winds were reported at the time of the accident, according to CBBT officials.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel facility sustained damage to a guardrail and curb, with maintenance crews scheduled to conduct repairs over the next several days. Aerial footage showed the truck's contents floating in the water following the crash.
This incident marks the second fatal tractor-trailer accident on the bridge in recent months; another crash occurred in June 2023. Since then, a total of 18 incidents involving vehicles going over the side of the bridge have been reported, with safety measures under ongoing review.
Portsmouth-based Crofton Industries assisted in the recovery effort, retrieving Andrews' body from the water later on Sunday.