Delaware Memorial Bridge accident leads to search of Delaware River
Emergency crews are searching the Delaware River after a truck is believed to have crashed and plunged off the southbound span before dawn, July 11, 2025.
A body and the cab of a tractor-trailer were recovered Saturday from the Delaware River, a day after the truck plunged off the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The incident triggered a large-scale search and recovery operation.
Recovery Efforts Concluded After Harrowing Search
Emergency crews successfully retrieved the vehicle and the victim from the Delaware River on Saturday morning.
- The tractor-trailer cab went into the Delaware River at approximately 3:45 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025.
- The recovery operation was delayed Saturday morning due to challenging water and tide conditions.
- The Delaware State Police dive unit and local fire company played a crucial role in the recovery.
- An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash and identify the victim.
The victim and the vehicle were pulled from the Delaware River at approximately 11:10 a.m., according to the Delaware River & Bay Authority. The truck, operating as a “bobtail” – without a trailer – had crossed three southbound lanes and breached a concrete barrier before entering the water.
What caused the truck to leave the roadway and enter the Delaware River? An accident investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the victim’s identity and the ownership of the truck cab, the DRBA said.
The initial incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. Friday, July 11. The DRBA reported that the cab landed in roughly 20 feet of water. Friday afternoon’s recovery attempts were suspended due to unfavorable conditions.
Saturday’s recovery efforts resumed around 9 a.m., following a three-hour delay attributed to water and tide conditions. Resources deployed included a crane and barge, which were repositioned from an ongoing construction project at the bridge, spanning Salem County and Delaware.
The Delaware State Police dive unit and the Holloway Terrace Fire Company in New Castle were recognized for their significant contributions to the successful recovery operation. Emergency personnel utilized a Hurst tool, commonly known as the Jaws of Life, to extricate the victim from the cab.
This story may be updated.
