PHOENIX — A woman is dead and Interstate 17 lanes closed after a three-vehicle crash near Cactus Road, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) officials said.
The crash happened early Monday morning after a Camry stopped on the freeway when it ran out of gas, Arizona Department of Public Safety deputies said. The Camry did not have its hazards on when a Tesla sedan hit it.
A 49-year-old woman driving the Tesla got out of the car after the initial collision. At that time, authorities said a Honda Pilot struck the Tesla and the woman. She was pronounced dead on the scene.
Officials said the three men inside the Honda all fled on foot after the crash but were caught by troopers. One of them was taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
The woman who was driving the Camry was also hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
Officials said there may have been another vehicle involved that left the scene.
Northbound lanes of I-17 near Cactus Road reopened around 11 a.m. Monday after the initial clean up and investigation was conducted. Investigators are working to determine whether alcohol was involved.
This is a developing story. Stay with us at 12 News for more information.
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Deaths on Arizona roadways:
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 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.