Posted on 07/20/2013 9:54:56 AM PDT by COBOL2Java
A tractor trailer hit a car sending the driver over the guardrail of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. (MSHA Bay Bridge camera)
Anne Arundel County Fire Battalion Chief Steve Thompson said the driver, a 22- year-old woman, was rescued and flown to Maryland Shock Trauma in Baltimore. She was in critical condition late Friday with non-life-threatening injuries.
Thompson said the collision occurred at about 8:25 p.m. Friday in the eastbound lanes of the bridge, which connects Maryland's Eastern Shore with the rest of the state, including Annapolis.
(Excerpt) Read more at wtop.com ...
“...down 40 feet into the water on Friday night, but the driver was able to climb to safety.”
That in itself seems pretty amazing. I would thinking hitting water from that height would be a lot like hitting pavement. That is, I’m surprised she wasn’t knocked out or rendered unconscious inside her vehicle.
I’m no expert on these sorts of things, of course. Glad she was able to escape and then make it to shore alive.
I’m wondering what her seatbelt status was.
My guess is “NOT” since no mention has been made yet at all.
One of the scariest bridges to drive across in the developed world. This woman might have the sweats for the rest of her life if she goes near a bridge. Congratulations to her for being a survivor!
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Is this everyone’s worst nightmare or what?
I hate bridges like that.
I have driven across worse.
It’s not the bridge so much, but the literal nightmares about driving off the edge into the water.
Is this everyones worst nightmare or what?
UU
Before this incident, no. But it will be now, whenever I drive across that stupid Bay Bridge.
I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but my children and grandchildren live on the Western Shore. I avoid the Bridge as much as possible because,if there is a tie-up, you are stuck, there is no detour route around it.
Instead of using this bridge, I drive up around the northern top of the Bay, which is about 20 miles longer for me, but not really any longer in terms of driving time.
One span has Jersey Barriers along the edges. The other span has a very flimsy looking steel guardrail. That one is a bit more unnerving.
Stories like this make me think I should get one of those tools I see advertised for breaking out your window and cutting your seat belt....
“I’m wondering what her seatbelt status was..”
I read an article earlier today and saw an interview with the victim. She stated she removed her seatbelt after she was completely submerged in water and felt like she was drowning. She left via the driver’s side window (that had been completely smashed open from the truck) and pushed off.. swimming to the surface. I am thinking her guardian angel was working overtime that day!
“”Maryland’s State Highway Administration is reporting delays because of an accident on the Bay Bridge. There are traffic delays traveling Eastbound beginning at Exit 32 a half mile from the toll plaza. Westbound delays begin at Exit 38A at Thompson Creek Road. Those delays are about 1.5 miles long. One westbound lane has been closed. The accident reportedly involves two cars. “”
I live on the Eastern Shore, in Virginia, but have lived and worked on DelMarVa for the past 30 years - I absolutely ABHOR that bridge.
It's a LONG way down.
Actually this was much closer to the shore end on the segments quite close to the water. That pix is more central.
I would think the "second collision" from a 40ft drop into water would be devastating without restraints.
Never had occasion to drive across that bridge, since all of my exposure to the Eastern Shore of Maryland came from flying into Salisbury. I’ve heard enough about the Bay Bridge, though. Thought it’d look more scary. The Bonner Bridge from South Nags Head to Hatteras Island in NC appears considerably higher to me. Love driving that one, heck of a view up there.
Yes, very possibly. Though many “strange” things have happened.
Luckily Ted Kennedy wasn’t driving.
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