One person was killed in a crash involving at least seven vehicles on I-17 outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, yesterday.
Tow Truck Failed To Stop For Slowed Traffic
The crash happened just before 12:30 p.m. yesterday in the southbound lanes near Stoneman Lake Road. According to police, traffic had stopped for a disabled vehicle on the left shoulder to move over to the right shoulder when a tow truck hauling a semi truck came down the hill toward toward backed up traffic.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety: “A heavy-duty tow truck pulling a semi, could, would not for some reason, did not stop in time and slammed into a number of vehicles that were stopped.”
One Killed, Several Hurt, In Multi-Vehicle Crash
The tow truck hit at least seven vehicles, ejecting several people, according to DPS. One of the struck vehicles was an SUV with a family of six inside. That vehicle rolled several times, killing a young boy and injuring the other five people.
Traffic was backed up for hours as police investigated the crash. One lane of southbound I-17 was reopened by 5 p.m. Both lanes were opened at 10 p.m.
The tow truck driver was transported to the hospital. It is unclear how severe his injuries were.
There is no word yet on whether charges will be filed.
#BREAKING: 6 mile backup remains on I-17 after deadly pileup. And, alternate route isn’t helping. Details on #abc15 pic.twitter.com/XMNUQQ1IaY
— Ali Green (@AliGreenKelly) June 20, 2016
Sources:
Your West Valley
KTAR
Tucson News Now