KENT ISLAND, Md. – Multiple agencies including the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department reported the westbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was closed for multiple hours Saturday due to an accident that occurred around 8:30 a.m. The accident occurred about halfway across the westbound bridge.
MDTA said closures were estimated to last into mid-afternoon. Chopper 16 was in the air live over the scene and as of 1:50 p.m., traffic was moving on both bridge spans.
Scene from the westbound span of the Bay Bridge. Courtesy Tammy Payne.
Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, the westbound bridge was closed. Traffic on the eastbound span was alternating for those going in east- and westbound directions, according to the transportation authority. Two-way operations were prohibited due to foggy conditions. Drivers were advised to avoid the area and move over for emergency vehicles. A detour was in place at Route 213.
Lt. Ian McGreevy with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department told WBOC that 20 vehicles were involved in the crash, according to preliminary estimates. There was a joint response between Anne Arundel and Queen Anne's fire departments, as McGreevy noted first responders would have different abilities to access the scene due to the direction from which they were traveling to reach the incident.
Anne Arundel fire alone transported 12 patients from the scene. Two were taken by ambulance to Shock Trauma in Baltimore with serious injuries, while 10 more were transported to other area hospitals. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening, according to MDTA.
Bay Bridge Crash Photos
A multi-car crash on the Bay Bridge sent multiple people to the hospital on Saturday morning, according to officials. Foggy conditions could be seen on the bridge.
Courtesy Tammy Payne.
The Coast Guard and Maryland Department of the Environment along with a hazmat team from Anne Arundel County are looking into concerns about a release of fuel from damaged vehicles into the bay below the bridge.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the MDTA Police at (443) 454-8703.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.
