An ordinary early morning drive turned into a major emergency after a tractor-truck veered off the Delaware Memorial Bridge and plunged into the Delaware River just before 4 a.m. on Friday.
The dramatic incident triggered a full-scale rescue and recovery operation, with dive teams, firefighters, and Coast Guard units rushing to the scene in the darkness.
A Mysterious Crash Across Three Lanes
According to officials, the Bobtail Tractor — a truck without a trailer — was heading southbound when it suddenly crossed three traffic lanes, crashed through a concrete wall, and dropped off the bridge into the river below.
It’s unclear why or how the truck swerved so drastically, and as of 8 a.m.
Eastern time, both the vehicle and driver remained missing.
Authorities haven’t confirmed if anyone else might have been in the cab when it went off the bridge.
Limited Bridge Access as Search Intensifies
The incident has significantly impacted traffic on the Delaware-bound side of the bridge.
Officials posted on X (formerly Twitter), warning drivers:
“Only two center lanes are open on the DE bound span. S
ignificant delays. Please allow for extra travel time & please drive safely.”
Emergency response teams have been working since dawn, and video footage of the crash reportedly exists, but hasn’t been publicly released yet.
Dive Crews Face Race Against Time
With the truck now at the bottom of the river and visibility limited, dive crews and sonar teams are doing everything they can to locate it.
The U.S. Coast Guard, local fire companies, and marine units are all involved in the search effort.
Parts of the bridge’s railing were visibly damaged in the aftermath of the crash.
Despite the violence of the impact, no other vehicles were involved, and thankfully, no other injuries have been reported so far.
A Bridge Known for Its Size and Scale
The Delaware Memorial Bridge stretches nearly two miles, making it one of the longest twin-span bridges in the United States.
It connects Delaware and New Jersey, serving as a vital link for daily commuters and commercial trucks.
The type of truck involved — known as a Bobtail Tractor — is typically used by drivers in between trailer deliveries.
Because it had no trailer attached, it may have been lighter and more difficult to control, but authorities have not confirmed any details about what caused the incident.
What’s Next?
As the day continues, emergency crews are expected to remain on-site until the driver and vehicle are located.
Investigators will also begin piecing together what exactly happened in those final moments before the crash.
For now, delays will continue in both directions on the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and authorities are urging all drivers to use extra caution and expect heavy traffic.
