Arizona transportation officials are asking drivers to seek alternate routes following a crash that claimed the life of a driver in Phoenix.
The crash occurred around 4:15 a.m. on Friday, May 20, on I-17 near Deer Valley Road in Phoenix.
Update: One male confirmed dead. Presumably the driver of the cab that was fully engulfed. I-17 will be closed for several hours as DPS perform their investigation. #Phoenix https://t.co/GSTBq87cUp
— Jack | Phoenix Metro (@LLN_Jack) May 20, 2022
Local news outlet AZFamily reports that all three trucks involved in the crash belonged to the same company, Shamrock Foods.
According to the report, a Shamrock truck stalled in the northbound lanes of I-17. A second Shamrock truck driver saw the first driver break down and pulled over to provide assistance. The second driver who pulled off to help reportedly called a third Shamrock driver following behind them to warn about the stalled truck. The third truck driver was unable to stop in time and struck the stalled truck.
The crash resulted in a major vehicle fire.
The driver of the third truck that crashed into the stalled truck was killed in the crash.
The Arizona Department of Transportation says that northbound I-17 is closed and drivers should seek alternate routes.
The crash is under investigation.
UPDATE: Loop 101 east-and westbound to I-17 northbound on-ramps are CLOSED. https://t.co/Fn7MvtKGf0
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 20, 2022