PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. — Highway 79 is closed in both directions in Pinal County in due to a growing brush fire and a deadly crash Friday afternoon.
ADOT says the highway will be closed for several hours from Arizona Farms Road to US 60. Firefighters are working to control a 60-acre brush fire burning on state land on the east side of the highway.
Meanwhile, DPS says a two-car crash on the highway happened north of Florence around noon and left one person dead.
DPS says the crash was between a Volkswagen Jetta and a heavy-duty pickup truck hauling hay.
A passenger in the Jetta was killed in the collision, and troopers believe the crash may have sparked the brush fire as the truck was fully engulfed in flames when officers arrived.
The driver of the truck was injured, but it's unknown how severely.
DPS is asking drivers to find an alternate route and that the highway will be closed for an “extensive” amount of time.
Firefighters didn't say if the fire was threatening any structures.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
