Five people were killed after the vehicle they were traveling in vaulted off of a freeway overpass and landed 50 feet below in the dirt median of Interstate 10. Upon impact the vehicle ignited into flames with all five occupants still inside.
A sport utility vehicle (SUV) was traveling westbound within the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) exit ramp to 79th Avenue from Interstate 10. The SUV failed to slow enough at the top of the exit ramp to make a right turn. The overpass directs traffic to turn right and travel northbound along 79th Avenue. Although the driver braked causing the SUV’s tires to leave skid marks on the roadway, the SUV crashed through a protective concrete barrier wall of the overpass. The SUV then vaulted over the second concrete barrier wall and through the chain-link fence falling 50 feet to the median below. The SUV landed on its four tires in the dirt median and ignited into flames.
The victims were described as one adult and four children.
Arizona Department of Public Safety (ADPS) troopers are investigating the cause of the collision. ADPS Captain Stephen Reutter said, “We lost five lives in this tragic event, it is nights like these that will stay with you the rest of your life.”