Naval Base
Norfolk, Virginia
November 17, 2017
Jen Perkins got through Security and entered the auditorium just as the Base Public Affairs Officer was finishing introductions of the team.
The National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson took the podium. “I will read a prepared joint Navy-NTSB statement and then answer questions.” The lead investigator was conspicuously absent. She picked up a copy of the release from an adjacent folding chair and was thumbing through it while listening to the monotone from the stage.
“The failure of the tunnel’s pressure shell was caused by the detonation of a high explosive charge that led to a catastrophic failure of the reinforced wall surrounding the dry side of the structure. We have examined a number of scenarios involving the possibility of accidental explosions and ruled them out. While we have not established the timeline or the exact materials that were used, we have concluded that the failure of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel on November 11th was most likely the result of a deliberate act by person or persons unknown. As such, we cannot rule out that this was caused by any number of terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda or one of its affiliates. We have collected a great deal of evidence and will be analyzing that over the next several weeks and months. NTSB along with other USG agencies, including DOD, is now overseeing the recovery effort of the people lost in this tragedy and removing the vehicles trapped in the tunnel so the structural assessment can begin. Are there any questions?”
Jen sat patiently through all the questions, most of which were answered with the predictable comments about an ongoing investigation or that further responses would be speculative at this time. There just wasn’t much new on the story. She caught up with one of the recovery team after the press conference, and he told her that more than thirty cars and trucks had been winched out of both ends of the tunnel and that the occupants as well as dogs and cats were covered with crustaceans finding an easy meal. A number of sharks had also been encountered in the tunnel, trapped in the mud. Jen had a new angle and would work-out her story line on the way back to the office. She would be very pleased to see her by-line on the front page in the morning.