BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A tragic incident unfolded Sunday morning in Birmingham, Alabama, when a car veered off the road and ended up in Village Creek, resulting in the death of the driver. The Birmingham Police Department confirmed that the crash occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m. in the Ensley neighborhood, near the intersection of Avenue W and 11th Street.
Emergency responders were called to the scene following reports that a vehicle had left the roadway and landed in the creek. Upon arrival, authorities located the submerged vehicle and discovered one person inside. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. As of now, the identity of the victim has not been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash remain limited. Officials have not yet determined what caused the vehicle to leave the road and plunge into the water. Investigators are working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash. It is unclear at this time whether excessive speed, a medical emergency, road conditions, or mechanical failure may have played a role.
Police have also not indicated whether any other individuals were in the car at the time of the crash. So far, there has been no confirmation about the presence of any passengers, and no additional injuries have been reported. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether the driver was alone or if rescue efforts may need to be extended further.
The crash site is near a residential area, and some nearby residents reported seeing emergency crews searching the water and pulling the vehicle from the creek. The sight of first responders and police activity drew the attention of local passersby, some of whom were shaken to learn that the incident had resulted in a fatality.
Members of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service assisted at the scene, aiding in the retrieval of the vehicle and recovery of the victim. Dive teams and specialized rescue equipment were reportedly used due to the location of the crash and the water conditions. The section of Avenue W where the crash occurred was temporarily blocked off as officials worked to investigate and clear the scene.
The incident has raised safety concerns in the Ensley neighborhood, where residents say certain stretches of the roadway can be tricky to navigate. Some neighbors commented that the area lacks guardrails or barriers along the creek, which could help prevent such accidents. They hope the tragedy will encourage city leaders to evaluate road safety measures in the area to prevent future incidents.
Though accidents involving vehicles entering waterways are relatively rare, they are often deadly. Experts note that driving near creeks, rivers, or bodies of water requires special attention to road conditions and surroundings. Even a momentary lapse in control—whether caused by distraction, weather, or road hazards—can lead to a devastating outcome.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Birmingham police are reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby buildings, as well as speaking to potential witnesses. If any security cameras in the vicinity captured the crash or events leading up to it, that footage could help investigators determine the cause.
Authorities are also waiting on findings from the medical examiner to learn more about the victim’s cause of death and to help determine whether any underlying medical conditions may have contributed to the crash.
In the meantime, police have asked the public for patience as they continue to gather facts and clarify unanswered questions. They are also encouraging anyone who may have seen the vehicle before the crash or who may have relevant information to contact the Birmingham Police Department.
The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of condolences on social media from Birmingham residents expressing sympathy for the victim and their family. Though the person’s identity has not yet been released, the community is already mourning the loss and hoping for closure once more information becomes available.
Ensley, a historic neighborhood in western Birmingham, has seen a mix of revitalization and challenges in recent years. Sunday’s crash has highlighted both the need for improved road safety infrastructure and the vulnerability of drivers on everyday routes.
City officials have not yet commented publicly on the crash, but the Birmingham Police Department is expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
As the investigation continues, the priority remains on determining how and why this fatal incident occurred, as well as preventing similar tragedies in the future. More information, including the victim’s identity and potential contributing factors, is expected to be released once confirmed by authorities.
For now, the community mourns the loss of life and awaits answers in the wake of a sudden and heartbreaking accident in the heart of Birmingham.