On Thursday, January 12, 2023, at approximately 6:15 a.m., a commercial truck rear-ended five vehicles resulting in multiple fatalities on eastbound Interstate 10 (I-10) adjacent to the Chandler Boulevard off-ramp.
State troopers determined a man was driving a commercial truck-tractor hauling an open-top box trailer loaded with garbage. The commercial driver failed to stop for congested traffic, rear-ended two passenger vehicles, and wedged them into the back of a second commercial truck. The second commercial truck was thrust forward and struck two additional cars.
The two passenger vehicles crushed between the semi-trucks ignited and burst into flames. The fire spread to the at-fault commercial truck tractor and trailer, and to the second commercial truck’s box trailer.
Troopers confirmed five people were killed in the two passenger vehicles during the collision.
The at-fault commercial driver sustained minor injuries. Minor injuries were reported by the other drivers involved in the collision.
Troopers are investigating driver distraction as a possible factor in this collision.
The cause of death for the five victims and their identities will be determined by the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.