Newport News, VA (September 11, 2025) – Emergency crews responded late Thursday morning to a serious three-vehicle crash inside the northbound tube of the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel, where at least one individual sustained a back injury.
The accident was reported at approximately 11:44 a.m. on the northbound side of I-664 within the tunnel structure. According to emergency communications, Engine 1, Engine 2, Medic 2, EMS 1, and Rescue 1 were all dispatched to the scene with priority status. Responders arrived promptly and began treating the injured while assessing potential hazards within the enclosed tunnel environment.
Initial reports confirmed one person was suffering from back pain, a common symptom associated with sudden-impact collisions and potential spinal trauma. Emergency services focused on stabilizing the individual while ensuring the safety of all others involved in the crash. Traffic in the northbound tube was severely affected as crews worked within the confined space of the tunnel to address the incident.
The Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel, which connects Newport News to Suffolk via I-664, is a heavily traveled corridor and a critical route for both commuters and freight. Given the nature of tunnel travel—limited space, reduced lighting, and ventilation challenges—crashes inside the tube often require a multi-agency response and immediate traffic coordination.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by local authorities. Further details about the condition of other individuals involved have not yet been released.
We send our sincere wishes for a full recovery to those injured in this crash.
