Maryland's Bay Bridge re-opened after collision injures over a dozen people, causes major delays
BALTIMORE -- Over three dozen vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction crash on the westbound part of the Bay Bridge on Saturday, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.
There were 23 vehicles involved in the initial crash. Additionally, another 20 vehicles were involved in a series of secondary crashes, transportation officials said on Saturday afternoon.
MDTA officials have been investigating the crash, which caused multiple injuries and shut down US-50 Bay Bridge on Saturday morning. MDTA Police first received calls on the incident around 8 a.m., according to an MDTA press statement.
The multi-vehicle collision sent two people to local hospitals with serious injuries and 11 other people went to local hospitals, too. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, transportation officials said.
While first responders worked to clear the bridge of impediments, drivers were stuck waiting for the opportunity to move on with their lives.
"We are not moving," Michael Faidley told WJZ as he sat in his vehicle. "No one is moving."
Traffic at a standstill put a pause on many plans.
"We are going to a softball tournament in Salisbury," Jason Zitofsky said. "There are two other games we are hoping to make though. Most of our team is stuck on this side of the bridge right now."
Kimberly Little said she was left waiting in traffic for hours after returning from a trip.
"I left Chicago around 6:30 a.m. I landed in Baltimore about 9:30 a.m.," Little said.
Her ride was stuck on the other side of the bridge. Her only option was to take an Uber.
"It started out at $50. I don't know. We will see," Little said of the fare.
The westbound portion of the US-50 Bay Bridge reopened by 1:50 p.m. Traffic alternated directions on the eastbound portion of the bridge while it was partially closed.
The bridge, famed for its scenic beauty, connects the ocean regions on Maryland's Eastern Shore and the cities of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is to contact the Maryland Transportation Authority.
