GARY — A woman was recovered Sunday after her vehicle plunged into a body of contaminated water in a flooded viaduct near Buffington Harbor in Gary, prompting a recovery operation complicated by hazardous environmental conditions.

According to information released by officials, the incident began Saturday, October 17, 2026, when a female caller contacted 911 to report that her vehicle was sinking into the water near the entrance to Indiana Sugar at Buffington Harbor. The call disconnected before the phone shut completely down.

Emergency responders arrived in the area and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Surveillance footage obtained by an officer reportedly showed a white vehicle entering the water.

However, recovery efforts were significantly complicated by hazardous conditions at the scene.

Officials said divers with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources were unable to safely enter the water because of contamination and other environmental hazards.

As a result, recovery operations were temporarily suspended while additional specialized equipment and resources were brought to the location.

Authorities deployed pumps to remove contaminated water and lower the water level, allowing crews to work toward safely accessing the submerged vehicle. Those efforts continued throughout Saturday night and into Sunday.

Recovery operations resumed Sunday, October 18, when crews successfully recovered a white Hyundai from the water. Following the vehicle’s removal and decontamination, authorities discovered a deceased woman inside. The woman’s age and identity have not yet been released.

Officials have not disclosed what caused the vehicle to enter the water or provided additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident. It was clear while RNS was on scene that the north entrance to this flooded viaduct was not blocked.

The nature and source of the water contamination have also not been specified. However it is believed by RNS Lime could be in the water from a nearby company.

The incident remains under investigation, and additional information is expected as authorities continue their work.

Region News Source will provide updates as additional information becomes available.