SUV drives off highway, plummets into San Antonio River below

Woman, 4 children were inside vehicle; all were taken to University Hospital

SAN ANTONIO – A driver and four children were taken to the hospital Thursday morning after their sport utility vehicle drove off the highway and plummeted into the San Antonio River just south of downtown.

The accident occurred around 7:15 a.m. Thursday on Interstate 10 near Probandt.

According to police, the woman was driving westbound when she lost control of her vehicle and drove off the highway. Police said the vehicle luckily landed on its tail before falling forward and back onto its wheels.

"(It) saved the family," officer Modest Gutierrez said.

The accident did not stop people biking and walking on the River Walk from taking a glimpse at the unusual sight.

A 28-year-old driver, and four children aged 3-11, were all inside the SUV wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, police said.

All five were taken to University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One five-year-old girl has bruising on her side and possible internal injuries, police said.

Interview w/ officer, says this is a dangerous spot and not first time #KSATnews pic.twitter.com/m92XjGnhWg

— Joshua Skurnik (@joshrskurnik) October 20, 2016

According to police, this is not the first time an accident like this has occurred. Nearly a decade ago, an SUV went over the railing and burned when upon crashing into the ground. A family of four was inside, only a 7-year-old survived, police said.

"The guard rail up here needs to be raised up a little bit," Gutierrez said. He also warned driver to slow down.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.


About the Authors:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.