Crash causes vehicle to go off Arlington Memorial Bridge, into Potomac River

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — DC Fire and EMS (DCFD) said a crash caused a vehicle to go over the Arlington Memorial Bridge and into the Potomac River while it was snowing Thursday evening.

A DCFD spokesman told DC News Now that a vehicle crashed through the bridge’s concrete railing and was submerged in the water between D.C. and Virginia.

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Divers were called to the scene to search for the vehicle and the driver.

At least two cars were involved in the crash.

DCFD said one person was pulled from the water just before 7:30 p.m. and brought to shore to receive “advanced life support.”

They were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Two people from the other car – which remained on the bridge – were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

D.C. police and U.S. Park Police also responded to the scene.

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During a news conference, DCFD said it took the divers about 22 minutes to find the car and bring the driver to shore.

Crews will return Friday morning to assess the crash and get the car out of the river.

Drivers should be aware that the Arlington Memorial Bridge has been shut down and officials said they do not know when it will reopen.

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