Two killed after vehicle plunges off Chula Vista bridge into river

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Two people died early Sunday morning when a speeding Jeep lost control on a freeway interchange in Chula Vista, California, launching off a bridge and landing in the Sweetwater River below. Emergency responders and a good Samaritan made unsuccessful attempts to rescue the driver and passenger, and the California Highway Patrol suspects drunk driving contributed to the fatal crash.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of road safety, especially on complex freeway interchanges. The loss of life is devastating, and the investigation will likely examine if any infrastructure or engineering issues may have played a role in the crash.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the Jeep was traveling westbound on State Route 54 and transitioning to southbound Interstate 5 when it lost control, with sparks flying, and drove off the bridge, landing in the Sweetwater River below. Emergency responders, including a Chula Vista police officer and a good Samaritan, attempted to rescue the occupants but were unsuccessful. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office was called to the scene, and the interchange was closed for several hours as authorities investigated the crash.

• The incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
• The interchange closure was lifted by 7:30 a.m. on the same day.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The California Highway Patrol will continue its investigation into the cause of the crash, including whether alcohol or other factors contributed to the vehicle losing control and leaving the roadway.