June 7th ─ two men were killed during a wrong-way collision on one of the busiest stretches of highways in the Phoenix metropolitan area. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the accident occurred on a transition ramp dubbed “The Mini-Stack,” where eastbound I-10 merges with southbound State Route (SR-) 51 and the Red Mountain part of Loop 202.
Authorities say they received calls around 7:45 p.m. of a red sedan driving in the wrong direction of eastbound I-10 near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The red sedan then slammed head-on with a white sedan driving south on SR-51 in the carpool lane as it converges with eastbound I-10. The wrong-way driver and the white sedan driver were pronounced dead at the scene. All traffic was forced off SR-51 via I-10 or Loop 202. The SR-51 reopened Wednesday around 4 a.m. It’s unclear how fast both sedans were traveling before the collision. A third vehicle was caught off guard and also crashed into the two sedans. The third man was transported to a local hospital where he suffered minor injuries and is expected to recover.
This is the 3rd fatal wrong-way crash in 53 days for Phoenix. Just days earlier, another wrong-way driver on I-17 in Phoenix near the I-10, crashed head-on into a tanker truck. The car fell off the ramp and onto a ramp below. These accidents have sparked renewed public interest in a system to warn motorists of oncoming wrong- way drivers. The Department of Transportation is nearing a major announcement for plans to debut just that, a warning system to signal drivers to turn back if alarm signals fail to prevent drivers from continuing down a highway the wrong-way.
Gov. Doug Ducey released a statement after the accident," I have specifically ordered that the planned launch of thermal camera detection technology be expedited. I want those cameras implemented as quickly as possible, and expanded to as many areas as possible where they may make a difference and save a life. We also need to take some immediate actions to increase enforcement and public awareness. All of this needs to be done in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. I want all Arizonans to know the state takes this issue extremely seriously. Our goal is to reduce fatalities and save lives, and we will take every appropriate measure in order to do so".
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto collision, Accident Attorney Byrl Lane strongly encourages you to call our car accident lawyers at 1.877.791.4777 for a free consultation. Our highly skilled and experienced attorneys will provide you with the best legal representation and guidance that you need. Our offices are conveniently located throughout California and Phoenix , Mesa, Tempe, Tuscon and Scottsdale Arizona and we conduct regular travels in the region to meet with clients.
