Portsmouth, Virginia - A fatal tractor-trailer crash has shut down the eastbound lanes of the West Norfolk Bridge.
Officers arrived to find the 59-year-old driver suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medics.
Police say the tractor trailer hit a jersey wall causing the cabin to detach from the trailer.
The cabin continued down the roadway hitting another tractor trailer operated by a man who was taken to the hospital after complaining of back pains
The detached trailer hit a sign pole that has to be completely removed and replaced before they open the roadway. The trailer's load of sardines spilled onto the interstate.
The driver of a second tractor-trailer was also injured in the crash. He taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
As a result of the crash, a light pole was hit and fell into the water. An overhead sign was also hit and damaged. A crane will be moved in to remove the damaged overhead sign structure.
The West Norfolk Bridge itself was not damaged.
Motorists are advised to avoid the eastbound portion of the West Norfolk Bridge. VDOT reports that it will be several hours before the roadway is reopened.
A detour has been set up for drivers to exit at West Norfolk Road. Take West Norfolk Road and make a left onto Cedar Lane, and then turn left onto High Street as the alternate route to the Midtown Tunnel, Downtown Tunnel and Downtown Portsmouth.
Police do not yet have an estimated time on when the accident will be cleared and the bridge will be reopened.
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