A vehicle plunged into the icy waters of the Potomac River on Thursday evening after a collision on the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Around 6:50 p.m., the car went over the side of the bridge and became fully submerged, prompting an immediate water rescue operation. Emergency responders provided advanced life support to the sole occupant of the submerged vehicle, who was then transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. The other vehicle involved in the crash had two occupants; one required medical attention for minor injuries while the other declined treatment. The incident has led to extended closure of all lanes on the bridge as authorities plan recovery efforts.

The complexity of the rescue operation was significantly increased due to the ice covering the river's surface. D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly highlighted the challenging conditions faced by divers, including cold weather, strong currents, and limited access. "The divers are equipped for such conditions, but it remains arduous and perilous work," he explained. The U.S. Park Police confirmed that the bridge would remain closed for an extended period as teams assess the best approach to remove the vehicle and ensure the bridge is safe for traffic. Overnight efforts will be followed by further actions in the morning.

This incident follows a series of major crashes on the Arlington Memorial Bridge. In September 2022, a pickup truck struck the south balustrade, causing large pieces of railing to fall near the river. Another notable event occurred in February 2013 when a car crashed through the bridge railing and landed in the Potomac River, though the driver survived. The U.S. Park Police is leading the investigation into this latest collision and plans to conduct a criminal inquiry into the cause of the accident.

Authorities are working tirelessly to address the aftermath of the crash and ensure the safety of future travelers on the bridge. Rescue operations continue, and investigations will provide insights into preventing similar incidents. The community awaits updates as officials work to restore normalcy to this critical transportation link.