A 61-year-old truck driver lost his life early Sunday morning after his tractor-trailer crashed through guardrails and plunged into the icy waters below the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The victim was identified as Ronnie Andrews of Robersonville, North Carolina. Officials said Andrews was driving for Perdue Farms at the time of the tragic accident. His sudden death has left his family, coworkers, and community grieving.
The single-vehicle crash happened around 6:40 a.m. on the southbound span of the bridge-tunnel. Authorities said the accident occurred near the North Channel Bridge, just south of Fisherman’s Island. For reasons that investigators are still working to determine, the tractor-trailer veered off the roadway, broke through protective guardrails, and fell into the cold waters below. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Due to the location and depth of the water, specialized divers were needed to complete the recovery. Crofton Diving assisted in retrieving both the truck and Andrews’ body later that evening. The operation took several hours and required careful coordination to ensure safety for everyone involved.
The crash caused significant damage to the bridge-tunnel structure. Officials reported that sections of guardrails and curbing were destroyed when the truck broke through. Maintenance crews worked quickly to make emergency repairs so traffic could continue flowing. Despite their efforts, one southbound lane remained closed as crews continued inspections and additional repair work to ensure the roadway was safe for drivers.
In a statement, Perdue Farms expressed deep sadness over the loss of their employee. “We are heartbroken to confirm that a Perdue driver has passed away,” the company said. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones.” The company described Andrews as a valued team member and said it is cooperating fully with authorities during the investigation.
Jeff Holland, executive director of the bridge-tunnel, also extended condolences to Andrews’ family, loved ones, and colleagues. Officials noted that weather was not considered a factor in the crash, pointing to low winds, no rain, and clear visibility at the time. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation as authorities work to understand what led to the fatal plunge.
