After a string of accidents involving more than a dozen vehicles, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland has finally reopened, following a nearly six-hour closure that resulted in significant traffic congestion on Saturday. According to a news release from the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), a "chain-reaction crash on the westbound span" involved around 23 vehicles. However, investigators have revealed that approximately 20 additional vehicles were also involved in subsequent collisions on the bridge.

Fortunately, despite the severity of the accidents, no life-threatening injuries were reported. Thirteen individuals were taken to nearby hospitals, with two of them sustaining serious injuries. The MDTA has reassured the public that none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

The initial crash occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. on the westbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Fire department officials from Anne Arundel County stated that their units transported 12 patients to local hospitals, including two who were sent to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. An investigation into the cause of these accidents is ongoing, and the MDTA has urged anybody with relevant information to reach out to MDTA police at 443-454-8703.

During the lengthy closure, measures were put in place to ease the traffic backlog. Officials established an alternating, two-way traffic pattern along the bridge's eastbound span, allowing vehicles to continue moving, albeit at a slower pace. However, the westbound span remained closed for the duration of the investigation, leading to significant diversions on WB US-50.

The cause of the accidents has yet to be determined, but according to reports received by WTOP's Traffic Center, thick fog was witnessed over the bridge around 7 a.m., just prior to the crashes being reported. Visibility at Bay Bridge Field on Kent Island was reported to have dropped below 800 feet at the time of the collisions, as confirmed by WTOP Traffic Reporter Dave Dildine. The National Weather Service had issued special marine weather statements warning of dense fog in the Chesapeake Bay area before the accidents occurred.

It is crucial for drivers to remain cautious when encountering foggy conditions, ensuring they maintain extra stopping distance and use low beams to enhance their visibility. As authorities continue their investigation into the series of crashes on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, updates will be provided to the public regarding any further developments.