Man Dies and Woman Missing After Chicago Car Crashes Into Little Calumet River

L
Lucy Phillips
Sep 09, 2026 Chicago

Car Carrying Five Enters River on Far South Side

CHICAGO, Illinois — A man died and a woman remains missing after a vehicle carrying five people crashed into the Little Calumet River on Chicago's Far South Side early Tuesday, according to Chicago police and emergency services.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. in the 1300 block of South Indiana Avenue in the West Pullman neighborhood. Police reported that the vehicle lost control, struck a protective barrier, and submerged into the river. The Chicago Fire Department marine unit immediately launched a water rescue operation.

Rescue Teams Search Water as Investigation Continues

Three occupants managed to exit the submerged vehicle and swim to land safely. A fourth passenger, a man, was pulled from the water by the marine unit and transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Search crews are continuing efforts to locate a missing female passenger. Chicago Police Major Accidents Investigation Unit is examining the crash site to establish the sequence of events leading up to the vehicle losing control.