3 pulled from water in Bay Bridge incidents; 2 dead
A strange, tragic day on the Bay Bridge resulted in the death of one man thrown from the eastbound span and into the bay when a truck ran into his car and life-threatening injuries to a another man who was died after going over the side of the westbound span. Meanwhile, a third person was pulled from the water under the bridge with life-threatening injuries.
The first incident, in which a truck plowed into the rear of a disabled vehicle about 10:25 a.m., closed the eastbound span for several hours and led to massive traffic backups. The second incident, in which a vehicle was left unattended in the only open westbound lane, blocked traffic in that direction for about a half hour.
Sgt. Jonathan Green, a spokesmen for the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, said the crash occurred about halfway between the water's edge on the Anne Arundel County side and the large curve well-known to users of the bridge. Green said a 2001 Honda Accord broke down in the right-hand lane, the only one open at the time, and its driver left the vehicle. A 2003 International truck, which was not pulling a trailer, then struck the rear of the Honda and forced it into the car's driver, pushing him over the Jersey barrier wall and into the water. Green said the bridge deck is 52 1/2 feet above the water at that point.
Green said the 70-year-old victim was pulled from the water by a transportation police marine unit boat that was in the area and taken to a dock near Sandy Point. From there the Anne Arundel County Fire Department took him to Anne Arundel Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Green said.
The spokesman said police have identified the victim but were not yet releasing his name pending notification of his family.
Green said the truck's driver, a 63-year-old man, refused treatment at the scene. He said a witness to the crash, a 54-year-old woman who was not in either vehicle, was treated for a medical emergency.
Green said the second incident occurred about 12:30 p.m. when a 2008 Toyota sedan was reported unattended in the right lane of the westbound span, which was in two-way operations at the time with the middle lane being used as a buffer. An adult male was recovered from the water below, Green said.
According to the spokesman, the Anne Arundel fire department provided initial treatment before the man was taken to the Maryland Shock-Trauma Center in Baltimore with "life-threatening injuries." He was not identified.
Another unattended vehicle, which Green described as a 2000 Toyota four-door, was found on the westbound span shortly afterward. Green said that apparent driver was pulled from the water and was pronounced dead.
Kelly Melhem, a spokeswoman for the transportation authority, said the agency would not comment on the reason the man ended up in the water. However, she noted that the authority has a policy against commenting on suicide attempts out of a concern that the "contagion" could lead to other incidents.
In the first crash, Green said the transportation police department's accident reconstruction team is investigating the crash. He said any decision about whether to bring charges would ultimately be made by the Anne Arundel County state's attorney.
The eastbound span was reopened at 1:49 p.m.
Melhem said the authority advises motorists whose vehicles become disabled on the Bay Bridge to remain in their vehicles until emergency assistance arrives.
Categories: Maryland toll facilities
Comments
I believe there was yet another incident on the bridge around 2:30 pm. I witnessed a man jump off the bridge from the right hand lane of the westbound bridge - then in use for two way traffic. Or was I dreaming? It seemed unreal to me, and over in a flash of a second. Its 6pm now and I've had crying episodes ever since.
Did he live? I cannot get the picture of him going off the ledge out of my mind.
Posted by: Jennifer Logan | April 18, 2011 5:59 PM
Jennifer,
I hope you are well. This is very tragic and you should not take this lightly. If you haven't already seen someone professionally I would go see someone that has expertise in post traumatic stress disorder. There are a lot of hurting people out there. You are not alone and I am really glad that you are able to write about it. I am praying for you. Talk to someone about this soon.
Posted by: Anonymous | April 18, 2011 6:34 PM
I think it's time for Governor O'Malley to remove all the idiots that are using the 3 lanes bridge for 2 way traffic when it was NOT designed for this traffic pattern that is endangering the lives of all who travel the bridge.
Also, Mike are there cameras installed from shore to shore to monitor the traffic (like in tunnels) so the MTA Police can respond immediately to breakdowns and crashes? If not, then why the heck not?
Posted by: Mark | April 18, 2011 6:59 PM
A very bizarre day on the Bay Bridge.
Posted by: Mook | April 18, 2011 7:08 PM
Ms. Logan you are a victim of this man's actions and you are traumatized by what you witness. I encourage you to seek out grief counseling to share what you experienced and to realize that what you are experiencing is completely normal for what you witnessed. May God bring you peace!
Posted by: Concerned citizen | April 18, 2011 8:50 PM
Thank you for your kind comments.
Posted by: Jennifer Logan | April 19, 2011 12:45 AM
I think there is a need for a lower speed limit on the bridge especially since so many people excede the limit.
Peolpe have to respect the bridge and take their time during their crossing. There is no reason to rush unless it is an emergency in which case you should call for assistance.
Posted by: Mary Ann | April 19, 2011 7:06 AM
Jennifer, my sister crossed the bridge at 2:30 yesterday and there were men working on the bridge. She saw a man go over but he was strapped in safety harness and had on a safety vest. That's probably what you saw, hope you feel better.
COMMENT: This posting may indeed be true. The police said one man went over the side about 12:30 p.m. and the other at 3:30 p.m. So what Jennifer witnessed was probably not a suicide or an attempt.
Posted by: KIresident | April 19, 2011 9:43 AM
There was another incident around 3:30. The car in front of me came to an abrupt halt and the passenger got out of the car and jumped off the bridge. It was absolutely horrible.
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 19, 2011 11:52 AM
My post had a typo with the 2:30 time - it was 3:30. I wish it were so that it was not a suicide.
Posted by: Jennifer Logan | April 19, 2011 6:36 PM
Just in case anyone's wondering, a quick Google search reveals that there are emergency phones with numbers for a suicide prevention hotline on the bridge. Unfortunately, you can't save everybody.
Posted by: Greg | April 20, 2011 11:07 AM