On Friday, November 20, 2015 at approximately 1:00 p.m., officers from Operations Division West responded to the intersection of East Grant Road and North Fairview Avenue for a collision involving multiple vehicles. Upon arrival, officers learned that six vehicles were involved and at least three people were injured, including one who was ejected.
Tucson Fire was on scene and immediately transported the ejected driver to Banner University Medical Center with life threatening injuries and another driver with non-life threatening injuries.
A third driver had minor injuries and was not transported.
Traffic Detectives responded to the scene to continue the investigation. They were able to determine that a 2000 Mercedes convertible was traveling southbound on N. Fairview Avenue at a high rate of speed. The driver failed to stop for the red light and continued southbound into the intersection. The Mercedes was then struck by a 2005 Ford Econoline Van that was traveling westbound. The van then struck a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta that was stopped eastbound in the left turn lane. After colliding with the Jetta, the van flipped over onto the driver’s side. The Mercedes spun into eastbound traffic and collided with a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria and a 1977 GMC Pick-Up truck. That collision caused the truck to strike a 2010 Toyota Camry that was also traveling eastbound. During the multi-car collision, the driver of the convertible Mercedes was ejected. Speed, along with failing to stop for the red signal light are factors in the collision. The investigation is ongoing to determine if additional factors contributed to the collision.
On November 22, 2015 the driver of the Mercedes passed away from his injuries. He has been identified as 37-year-old Rafael Rojas. Next of kin has been notified.