CAPE CHARLES, Va. — A truck driver employed by Perdue Farms has tragically lost his life in a collision at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel early on Sunday. The incident caused his tractor-trailer to crash through the guardrails, plunging into the icy waters below.
Officials with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) announced Sunday evening that the driver has been identified as 61-year-old Ronnie Andrews from Robersonville, North Carolina.
In a statement, Perdue Farms expressed their sorrow: “We are heartbroken to confirm that a Perdue driver died following an accident on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. He had been a valued member of our team, and his loss will be deeply felt across our organization. We are cooperating fully with authorities as they continue their investigation.”
The single-vehicle accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. near the North Channel Bridge on the southbound span, just south of Fisherman Island. The truck went over the western side of the bridge.
CBBT officials stated that the cause of the accident is currently under investigation, but confirmed that weather conditions were not a contributing factor, citing low winds, no rain, and “fair visibility.”
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the CBBT are with the family, loved ones, and fellow employees of Mr. Andrews during this difficult time,” remarked Jeff Holland, Executive Director of the CBBT.
The bridge-tunnel facility sustained damage to both a guardrail and a curb in the incident. Maintenance crews with the CBBT worked throughout Sunday to make repairs, which are expected to continue for several days.
Aerial footage from WBOC, a CBS affiliate in Salisbury, Maryland, revealed that the truck had apparently split open, causing its contents to begin floating in the water.
This incident marks the second time a tractor-trailer has gone over the CBBT in recent months. In June 2023, another driver hit a curb and blew a tire, resulting in a fatal plunge into the water. That driver, identified as 36-year-old Christopher A. Scott from Henrico, also did not survive.
The most recent incidents add to a troubling series of events; before Sunday, there had been 16 over-the-side crashes recorded on the CBBT. With the latest incident and the June event, the total now stands at 18.
Perdue Farms, based in Salisbury, Maryland, specializes in chicken, pork, and turkey processing, and operates facilities in Accomac and Parksley, Virginia.
On the recovery front, Portsmouth-based Crofton Industries, known for assisting with vehicle recoveries, retrieved the truck and Mr. Andrews' body Sunday evening.