TONOPAH, Ariz. — Three people were killed and three others were hospitalized in a crash on Interstate 10 near milepost 76 west of Tonopah, according to an early report from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The crash happened at 4:36 a.m. when a Toyota Highlander speeding in the eastbound lanes struck two people who were standing outside of their broken-down truck.
One of the people hit was killed on the scene, the other was flown to a Phoenix hospital, DPS said.
The driver of the Highlander and one of its passengers were also killed in the crash. Two other passengers in the vehicle were also flown to the hospital.
At this time, the extent of their injuries is unknown.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for more 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.