TONOPAH, Ariz. – A tragic chain-reaction crash on an Arizona interstate has left four individuals dead and several others injured. The incident, involving a dozen vehicles, occurred near Tonopah on Interstate 10 around 1 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the initial collision led to a series of secondary crashes, resulting in multiple vehicles catching fire. Among the vehicles involved were six commercial vehicles, four passenger vehicles, a van, and an RV towing a trailer.
Authorities confirmed on Sunday that four individuals lost their lives in the crash. Two individuals are in critical condition, one is hospitalized, and five others have been treated and released. One of the deceased was identified as the driver of a commercial vehicle.
The DPS is working diligently to notify the families of those affected before releasing any names or details. Their focus remains on conducting a thorough investigation and providing support to those involved in this tragic incident.
As investigators look into the details of the crash, they are considering whether reduced visibility due to blowing dust played a role in the collision. Warren Trent of the DPS described the situation as “very tragic.”
Meteorologist Sean Benedict from the National Weather Service in Phoenix shared a satellite image showing smoke from the crash. Benedict noted the potential impact of shallow dust on visibility, emphasizing the need for drivers to remain cautious, particularly during the state’s extended dust storm season.
In light of the accident, the DPS reminds drivers to slow down in low visibility conditions and adhere to safety protocols like “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.” Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact authorities. The initial reports of casualties were later revised during a press conference on Sunday morning.
