PHOENIX — One person has died following a crash involving multiple vehicles on I-10.
Drivers headed eastbound on I-10 were forced to exit at 7th Street due to the crash, Arizona Department of Transportation officials said. After a brief closure, all lanes were reopened by Tuesday morning.
Three vehicles were involved in the crash, according to authorities.
The Phoenix Fire Department said two people were taken to the hospital, one of whom had to be rescued from their vehicle. One of the people hospitalized, a woman in her 60s, is in critical condition.
A third person was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety released the following details about the crash:
"Initial investigation indicates a flatbed tow truck sideswiped a second vehicle, causing that second vehicle to spin out of control and the tow truck to come to a sudden stop in the number two lane of I-10. A third vehicle was then unable to avoid a collision with the tow truck and a rear-end collision occurred. The driver of the third vehicle was pronounced deceased by responding fire department personnel."
The crash occurred near 16th Street on I-10. We will update this story when more information becomes available.
Up to speed
Deaths on Arizona roads
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that roadway fatalities have been gradually rising in Arizona over the last decade:
2011: 825 deaths
2012: 821 deaths
2013: 844 deaths
2014: 774 deaths
2015: 895 deaths
2016: 952 deaths
2017: 1,000 deaths
2018: 1,010 deaths
2019: 982 deaths
2020: 1,057 deaths
ADOT offers driving tips on its website to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
Don’t speed or drive aggressively
Never drive while under the influence of substances
Avoid distractions while driving
Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
Stay extra aware in work zones
Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.