GILA BEND, Ariz. — A crash head-on crash between two vehicles on State Route 85 left one woman dead and several other people in the hospital late Saturday night, a spokesman with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said.
The crash reportedly happened around 11:30 p.m. near mile post 123, just north of Gila Bend.
First responders pronounced the woman dead on seen, but the other injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
At this time, authorities have not said what led up to the crash, or disclosed the identity of the deceased. It is also unknown if the woman was driving one of the vehicles involved.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
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.