Driver Dies After Vehicle Plunges into Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach

A man has died after his vehicle plunged into the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach early Monday morning, marking the second crash at the same location in just over a week.

The fatal incident occurred near Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard and Flagler Drive, close to Good Samaritan Medical Center, an area that has recently drawn attention from residents and city officials due to repeated crashes involving vehicles entering the water.

According to West Palm Beach police, the crash happened shortly after 5 a.m. Monday when a driver traveled through roadside bushes, struck the seawall, and entered the Intracoastal Waterway.

Emergency crews responded quickly and were able to rescue the driver from the submerged vehicle. He was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries, authorities confirmed.

Police maintained a heavy presence in the area throughout the morning as crews worked to secure the scene and investigate what led to the crash.

Second Intracoastal Crash at Same Location

Monday’s fatal crash comes just eight days after another vehicle entered the Intracoastal at the same intersection.

In the earlier incident on February 15, a driver and passenger survived after a good Samaritan jumped into the water to assist. Investigators indicated that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in that prior crash.

The proximity and timing of the two incidents have raised concerns among local residents who frequent the waterfront area.

Community Raises Safety Concerns

Residents and pedestrians in the area expressed shock that two vehicles entered the water at the same location within such a short timeframe.

Some community members have called for additional safety measures, including:

• Guardrails or protective barriers near the seawall
• Improved signage and pavement markings
• Flashing warning lights to alert drivers
• Enhanced visibility at the intersection

Many believe added safeguards could help prevent future tragedies at what is typically considered a clear and scenic stretch of roadway.

City Reviewing Intersection Safety

The City of West Palm Beach confirmed that its engineering department is reviewing the intersection and surrounding conditions to determine whether additional traffic control or safety measures are necessary.

Officials are evaluating whether improvements such as enhanced signage, roadway markings, or structural protections could reduce the risk of vehicles leaving the roadway and entering the water.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased driver, and the cause of Monday’s crash remains under investigation.

As officials continue to review both incidents, the back-to-back crashes have sparked renewed attention on roadway safety near waterfront areas — where even a single moment of distraction or loss of control can have devastating consequences.