Crime & Safety
Joliet, IL Bridge Crash: SUV Plunges Into Des Plaines River
Joliet, IL – A major bridge in downtown Joliet was closed Saturday evening after a 33 year old driver crashed his SUV into the Jefferson Street Bridge and plunged into the Des Plaines River, triggerin
By Lena Wood · 2026-11-15T09:35:51.033Z
Joliet, IL – A major bridge in downtown Joliet was closed Saturday evening after a 33 year old driver crashed his SUV into the Jefferson Street Bridge and plunged into the Des Plaines River, triggering a dramatic rescue operation that left the man hospitalized in critical condition.
According to the Joliet Police Department , officers responded to the Jefferson Street Bridge at approximately 4:29 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, after receiving reports that a vehicle had struck the bridge and entered the river.
Driver Rescued From Des Plaines River Responding officers and Joliet Fire Department paramedics located a man in the water near the southwest side of the bridge.
Police threw the struggling driver a life preserver and held onto him until fire department personnel entered the water and brought him to safety.
The man was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center in critical condition.
Preliminary findings indicate the driver was operating a Toyota 4Runner eastbound on West Jefferson Street at a high rate of speed when he lost control.
Witnesses reported that the SUV struck the bridge before plunging into the river from its southwest side.
Joliet Fire Department divers subsequently searched the river, located the submerged vehicle and assisted towing crews with its recovery.
Investigators determined the driver was the vehicle's only occupant. No additional victims were found.
Jefferson Street Bridge Closed for Investigation The Jefferson Street Bridge remained closed when police issued their Saturday news release.
Joliet Police Department Traffic Unit investigators were reconstructing the crash while Illinois Department of Transportation officials inspected the bridge for possible structural damage.
Authorities had not established a reopening time, leaving motorists facing potential downtown traffic disruptions.
The crash remains under active investigation.
Anyone with video footage or additional information is encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Traffic Unit at 815 724 3010 .