FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Arizona DPS is investigating a fatal crash between a semi-truck and a car that erupted into flames on Interstate 17 near Flagstaff on Sunday, leaving four people dead. New information from DPS says that impairment didn't play a part in the crash.
The driver of the semi-truck told DPS Troopers that his breaks had failed leading to the crash, according to a DPS report.
Officials say the crash happened southbound on I-17 near milepost 298 just south of State Route 179 at roughly 2:18 in the afternoon.
The semi trailer, which was loaded with glass, failed to stop at a stop sign near the I-17 exit and collided with a passenger car traveling north on SR 179.
Both vehicles were pushed off the roadway down a nearby embankment where the semi landed on top of the car. Officials say that both vehicles were quickly engulfed in flames.
Although the driver of the semi managed to escape his vehicle uninjured, DPS said that the four occupants in the car were pronounced dead on the scene.
Authorities have identified the four deceased individuals as a family from Tempe.
Their names are:
- Athish Nagarajan, 24,
- Dhinesh Nagarajan 23,
- Gnanappan Nagarajan, 53
- Vijaya Lakshmi-Gopal, 45
Once again, officials say that impairment was not a factor in the wreck.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to 12News for updates.
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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.