West River Parkway will be closed between E. 26th and 29th streets for much of Friday due to an accident from Tuesday evening.

A driver was traveling southbound on West River Parkway when he had a medical emergency and his SUV went off the road toward the Mississippi River, landing on the embankment, said park board spokeswoman Robin Smothers.

Two hikers were injured by debris from the incident, she said. Officials from the Minneapolis Fire Department rescued the driver and all three were taken to the hospital, but none was critically injured.

The vehicle has been sitting on the embankment for about two days because a crane had to be acquired to pull it out, Smothers said. The road and the trail that runs alongside it are expected to reopen around 3 p.m.

Though park board officials will be present to make sure the area isn't further damaged, the driver's insurance company is responsible for removing the car.

Anne Millerbernd is a University of Minnesota student on assignment for the Star Tribune.

Anne Millerbernd • 651-308-7126