7 injured after SUV flies off Lake Shore Drive onto construction equipment on North Side

Diane Pathieu Image
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
7 injured after SUV flies off Lake Shore Drive
Seven people were injured after an SUV flew off the road on Lake Shore Drive and onto construction equipment on the North Side Tuesday morning, authorities said.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Seven people were injured after an SUV flew off the road on Lake Shore Drive and onto construction equipment on the North Side Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Chicago police said the driver of the silver Chevy Tahoe, with seven people inside, was speeding along Lake Shore Drive at about 2:25 a.m. when the driver lost control at LaSalle Drive. The SUV flew off the road and landed on construction equipment below.

The Chicago Fire Department said seven people were transported to hospitals for critical injuries. The victims range in age from 19 to 40 years old. Chicago police confirm the driver was taken into custody for apparently driving under the influence.

Witnesses heard the loud bang and ran to see what happened.

"I live right across the street in a high rise and I heard a screech and I came to the window and I saw the car trying to make a wild turn and it looks like they went under the bridge," said witness Alijah.

Shortly after 6:30 a.m., crews removed the SUV from the scene.

The area is part of the new construction zone on Lake Shore Drive. Lanes are closed off and equipment is all around the area.