AVONDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced that all I-10 westbound lanes at Dysart Road are open again. The interstate was temporarily closed following a hit-and-run crash that left a man severely injured.
Officials with the Department of Public Safety said that the crash happened around 3:45 a.m. at mile marker 129.
According to reports, a black Chevy S-10 had been racing on the highway when it spun out and came to rest in the left lane.
Officials said a witness stopped their own car and got out to help the driver of the truck. It was at that point a silver Volkswagen Jetta struck the S-10, causing it to spin onto the median where it caught fire.
The driver of the S-10 was seriously injured and was transported to a local medical center.
The driver of the other vehicle initially stayed on scene, but eventually fled south of the interstate, DPS officials said.
Troopers are now looking for this man. He is described as a Hispanic male standing 5-foot 9-inches and weighing roughly 180 pounds. The man was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes.
If you have any information about this crash, you can contact DPS at 602-223-2000.
A criminal investigation is currently underway on the scene, and officials were not able to give an exact time that the highway would be open again.
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Driving Safety Tips:
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips 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.
