PHOENIX — An early morning crash between multiple Shamrock Farms tractor-trailers has left one person dead near Deer Valley Road on Friday, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said.
Deputies advised drivers may encounter delays along Interstate 17 as police investigate the crash. Flames and smoke from the collision were clearly visible to drivers diverted off the interstate.
One of the tractor-trailers had stopped on the road due to a mechanical issue, DPS said. A second Shamrock Farms truck stopped to assist the first, but a third truck was not able to stop in time to avoid hitting the first that had broken down.
The driver of that third truck was killed in the crash, deputies said. He's been identified as Jose Jauregui Soto, 39, of Buckeye.
As of 11:30 a.m., the northbound lanes of I-17 have reopened. The southbound lanes were not affected by the crash.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Un accidente de camión con remolque doble, deja un muerto y la I-17 permanece cerrada en dirección norte del valle
The following information has not yet been released:
- The identity of the person who died
- The medical status of others involved in the crash
- Whether impairment or speed was involved
This is a developing story. Tune in to 12 News for the latest information.
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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
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," ADOT said on its website.
The department'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.
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