Monday, July 27, 2015

More underriding deaths: 2 killed, 1 injured on I-17 in Arizona after a mini-van rear-ended a semi-truck


Crash on soutbound I-17 at Dixileta Monday morning. (Source: KPHO/KTVK) Crash on soutbound I-17 at Dixileta Monday morning. (Source: KPHO/KTVK)
 
(Source: KPHO/KTVK)
(Source: KPHO/KTVK)
 
(Source: KPHO/KTVK)
(Source: KPHO/KTVK)
 
(Source: KPHO/KTVK)
(Source: KPHO/KTVK)
 


Posted: July 27, 2015  
 
By Phil Benson
 
PHOENIX (KPHO/KTVK) - 
 Two people were killed in a crash on Interstate 17 involving a tractor-trailer truck Monday morning, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said. 

The accident has closed all lanes except the HOV lane on Interstate 17 southbound at Dixileta Drive.

As of 8 a.m., delays on southbound I-17 extended to Carefree Highway, the Arizona Department of Transportation tweeted.

In addition, ADOT said the the Loop 303 ramp to southbound I-17 is closed 
Video from the newschopper showed a smashed vehicle resting underneath the back end of the commercial tractor-trailer truck.

DPS spokesman Tim Case said the semi was broken down and the driver had placed warning triangles by his rig to warn motorists.

“For an unknown reason, the van came over and hit the rear of the semi truck," Case said.

Three people were in the van. Two were pronounced dead at the scene and the driver was rushed to a local hospital.  

Case said the driver of the semi was not hurt.

DPS expected the lanes to be closed for up to four hours.

The crash occurred just a little after 6 a.m.