Alex Banks, 25, killed and Tanisha Gates, 23, and James Jeffers, 33, injured in head-on wrong-way crash on Whitman Street Bridge in Rockford, Illinois

Modified Date:

Wed, 12/09/2015 - 6:55pm

Accident Date:

Friday, December 4, 2015

Whitman Street Bridge Closed After Early Morning Fatal Accident

ROCKFORD (WIFR) – The Whitman Street Bridge is closed in both directions this morning as Rockford Police investigate a fatal accident. The two car accident happened around 1:25a.m. after one car was traveling in the wrong lane. Rockford Police have not indicated when they will re-open the bridge. The two cars crashed head-on, killing one of the drivers, a 25-year-old. Drivers must find an alternate route.

UPDATE: Driver charged with DUI in deadly crash still in hospital

33-year-old James Jeffers was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and improper lane usage. Police say he was driving on the Whitman Street Bridge when he crossed the median and crashed head-on into another car. The driver of that car died and the passenger was critically hurt, so was Jeffers. Police had no update on their conditions Sunday. Rockford police say they have not released any additional charges at this time because Jeffers isn't in custody.

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Type: Car Accident

Topics:

Wrong-way Crash, Head-on

People Involved:

Alex Banks

Tanisha Gates

James Jeffers

Roadway:

Whitman Street Bridge

City:

Rockford, IL

County:

Winnebago County, IL

Area:

Rockford, IL