Technical rescue: Tractor-trailer cab dangles from Monitor Merrimac bridge in Newport-News, VA with driver inside.
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The driver of a tractor trailer saved from the cab hanging over the side of the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel Monday has been charged with reckless driving.
Sgt. Michelle Anaya with the Virginia State Police said the driver of the tractor trailer lost control and struck the bridge heading southbound just before 9 a.m. The cab caught fire and was left hanging off the side of the bridge.
Anaya told WAVY.com the driver, who was trapped inside, was extracted by the Newport News and Suffolk fire departments. Almira Ribic, 43, of Newport News was transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center. She was treated and released from the hospital, according to hospital spokesman Peter Glagola.
All images from Virginia State Police.
Cindy Clayton, Virginian-Pilot:
The truck ran off the right side of the road, hit the bridge, overturned and caught fire, said Sgt. Michelle Anaya, state police spokeswoman. The cab of the truck was left dangling over the James River with the driver inside.
As the fire was extinguished, rescuers parked a firetruck from Suffolk on the northbound bridge, and firefighters from Newport News were on the southbound bridge, Anaya said. The Suffolk firetruck stretched out a ladder, also called an elevated platform, to the cab of the truck, and Newport News Master Firefighter Scott Dye rappelled down to the driver, Anaya said.
