In a startling dawn mishap that shook the region’s busiest crossing, a semi-truck plunged off the Delaware Memorial Bridge into the river below, triggering a tense and multi-agency rescue effort. The accident unfolded around 3:40 a.m. on July 11, when the truck veered across lanes and slammed into a concrete barrier before vanishing into the waters. As divers raced against time and traffic lanes faced disruption, authorities swiftly launched recovery operations. With the vehicle cab retrieved from 20 feet underwater, investigation into the shocking bridge crash is now fully underway.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• A semi-truck veered off Delaware Memorial Bridge at 3:40 a.m., plunging into the river

• Cab recovered from 20 feet of water by 11 a.m., July 11

• Incident caused major traffic lane closures and delays during the morning rush

• Search teams included U.S. Coast Guard, state responders, and dive units

• DRBA is leading the crash investigation

• Bridge handles over 100,000 vehicles per day

In a dramatic turn of events during the early hours of Friday morning, a semi-truck crashed off the Delaware Memorial Bridge and plunged into the river below, sparking an urgent and large-scale search and rescue operation. The incident, which unfolded around 3:40 a.m. on July 11, drew a swift response from local, state, and federal emergency teams.

Crash During Early Morning Commute

According to the Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA), a bobtail tractor—meaning the vehicle was not carrying a trailer—was traveling southbound into Delaware when it veered across three lanes of traffic on the downslope of the bridge. The truck then violently collided with a concrete safety wall.

DRBA officials said in a press release,

“The impact caused the concrete wall to collapse, and the truck subsequently careened into the Delaware River.”

The force of the crash, combined with the speed of the vehicle, proved too much for the bridge’s barrier to contain. The sudden incident raised alarms among transportation authorities and drivers alike.

Search Underway in River Waters

Emergency dive teams were dispatched to the scene almost immediately. Units from multiple agencies, including state emergency services and U.S. Coast Guard Air and Marine units, joined the rescue mission.

By late morning, search efforts led to the discovery of the truck’s cab approximately 20 feet beneath the water’s surface.

“Shortly after 11 a.m., the cab of the truck was successfully located and recovered,” confirmed James Salmon, a spokesperson for DRBA.

Authorities have not yet released information regarding the driver’s identity or condition, and it remains unclear if any other individuals were involved in the crash.

Delays and Closures on One of the Nation’s Busiest Bridges

The Delaware Memorial Bridge, a vital span connecting Delaware and New Jersey, spans more than 10,000 feet and carries an average of over 100,000 vehicles daily. Given the bridge’s high traffic volume, the incident caused immediate disruptions during the early commute hours.

DRBA stated,

“The left lane, where the crash occurred, remained closed for police activity through the morning rush, causing significant delays.”

However, by 8:30 a.m., the congestion had cleared. Additionally, the right lane, which had been closed for unrelated construction, reopened around 8 a.m., helping restore traffic flow.

Live traffic camera footage provided by the DRBA later showed normal conditions across the span as of 9 a.m.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Delaware River & Bay Authority. No mechanical failures or other contributing factors have yet been disclosed. Officials are expected to analyze bridge surveillance footage and vehicle data in the coming days.

“We are working diligently to determine the sequence of events that led to this devastating crash,” said a DRBA representative.

As recovery efforts continue, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the dangers faced on high-speed, high-traffic bridgeways, especially in early hours with limited visibility. Authorities emphasized that all agencies involved responded in full force to protect life and secure the scene.

As investigations continue into the Southern California brush fire, attention now turns to the suspected involvement of a 13-year-old whose use of fireworks may have ignited the dangerous blaze. While no injuries have been reported, the incident raises urgent questions about youth supervision, public safety, and the growing threat of fire hazards during peak summer conditions. Authorities remain focused on determining the exact cause, while communities are left reeling from yet another reminder of how a moment of carelessness can spark widespread consequences.

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