Update: Delaware Memorial Bridge crash July 2025
NEW CASTLE, Del. — A bobtail tractor-trailer cab plunged off the Delaware Memorial Bridge into the Delaware River in the early hours of Friday, July 11, 2025, prompting an intensive multi-agency recovery operation. State authorities have confirmed that the driver is presumed dead, though their identity has not yet been released.
The incident occurred around 3:40 a.m. on the southbound span of the bridge heading into Delaware. According to the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), the bobtail tractor—traveling without a trailer—crossed three lanes of traffic, veered onto a concrete pad near the Delaware anchorage, and crashed into a protective wall. The impact caused the wall to collapse, sending the cab careening into the river below.
As of Friday afternoon, officials had not confirmed how many people were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. There is no indication that any other vehicles were involved, and no injuries to other motorists have been reported.
Recovery crews located the cab in approximately 20 feet of water near the bridge at 10:45 a.m., according to DRBA spokesperson James E. Salmon. Multiple emergency response units, including dive teams and marine units, have been deployed to the scene. Efforts remain focused on securing the impact zone, stabilizing debris on the bridge, and recovering the vehicle.
Agencies assisting in the search and recovery include:
- New Castle County Emergency Management
- Delaware State Police Marine and Dive Teams
- Wilmington Police and Fire Marine Units
- Delaware DNREC Enforcement
- Holloway Terrace and Minquadale Fire Companies
- U.S. Coast Guard Air and Marine Units
Close-up images of the damage—shared by the DRBA—show the collapsed portion of the bridge wall where the cab made contact. A barge and crane have been brought in to assist in lifting debris and stabilizing the site during ongoing operations.
As of midday, all southbound lanes of the Delaware Memorial Bridge into Delaware have been reopened, the DRBA confirmed via X (formerly Twitter). Earlier in the morning, two lanes had been closed due to the crash and unrelated construction.
The accident took place on the downslope of the bridge’s southbound span, a section known for its high elevation and limited recovery access.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from Delaware authorities and the Delaware River and Bay Authority.