The Tucson Police Department is investigating a mid-day collision that resulted in the death of a young child.
On October 22, 2015 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Tucson Police Department officers responded to East Valencia Road and South Palo Verde Road for a serious injury collision involving two vehicles. Upon arrival, officers located both vehicles in the intersection. Tucson Fire was on scene and transported the occupants of the vehicles to Banner University Medical Center for treatment.
Traffic Detectives responded to the scene to continue the investigation. They were able to determine that a 2004 Ford Taurus was westbound on Valencia, in the curb lane, approaching Palo Verde Road. As the vehicle entered the intersection, it was struck by a 2010 Nissan Versa making a left hand turn onto Palo Verde from eastbound Valencia. The Ford Taurus was occupied by two adults and two young females, ages two and four. The three passengers were all in the back seat and neither of the children were restrained in a car seat. The two-year-old was transported with life-threatening injuries, while the other three occupants were transported with minor injuries. The driver of the Nissan Versa was also transported with minor injuries.
On October 25, 2015 the two-year-old passed away from her injuries. She has been identified Asha Namagara. Next of kin were at the hospital and have been notified.
There were no signs of impairment from either driver and speed did not appear to be a factor in the collision.
| Fatalities Year-To-Date: | |
| For 2014 – 25 | For 2015 – 48 |
| Pedestrian – 7 | Pedestrian – 12 |
| Bicycle – 3 | Bicycle – 4 |
| Motorcycle – 1 | Motorcycle – 6 |