Yesterday, Misty and I took a trip up the Eastern Shore of Virginia. We had to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, 21 miles of bridge and tunnel across more or less open ocean and Chesapeake Bay. There were high winds blowing and the facility had been closed earlier in the day, but by the time we got there, the winds had dropped but were still gusting to 40 or more MPH.
We were almost across when I noticed a commotion on the southbound side (we were going north). It was obvious that there had been an accident with the police cars and all stopped. A couple of helicopters were orbiting the area. Then I noticed that a section of the guard rail was missing. OH MY...someone has gone into the water! That water is COLD as well as rough and deep.
I learned later that a tractor trailer had been blown off the bridge. The driver had been picked off the floating trailer by a Navy helicopter crew, but had died on the way to the hospital.
That really hit me hard for some reason and I don't know why. It still bothers me obviously. I had to share this with someone. I didn't know the man, but I couldn't imagine the terror he must have felt when he realized he was going over. The cold water, then soaking wet, crawling up onto a floating trailer. The cold wind, the wet clothes. I thank God, I didn't see it happen. I can't imagine how it would feel to see it, and not be able to do anything to help.
I just pray that he was saved. I pray for his family. May the Lord grant them the peace that surpasses all understanding.
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