On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 3:27 p.m., a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on westbound Interstate 40 near milepost 159.5 in Williams, AZ. A winter storm was in the area at the time of the collision and the road was covered in snow and ice.
**Viewer Advisory — Crash Scene Footage**
These are the devastating results of the weather-related fatal collision on I-40 near Williams yesterday, March 13, 2025. Unfortunately, troopers are currently investigating another deadly weather-related collision on I-40 near Holbrook. pic.twitter.com/PnbW4FYBB6— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) March 14, 2025
The collision initially blocked westbound I-40 in an area with guardrails on both sides and included a jackknifed tractor-trailer, which completely obstructed the interstate. Multiple vehicles, including additional tractor-trailers, failed to properly brake or slow down and collided with the blocking vehicles. Multiple passenger vehicles were rear-ended, pushing them into, and in some cases, underneath crashed tractor-trailers.
The collision caused a fire which quickly spread to the other involved vehicles and burned for more than 20 hours. Firefighters, state troopers, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) personnel, and tow truck operators worked relentlessly during this time to reduce the fire, provide care, and/or clear the scene.
The collision involved a total of 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger vehicles. A total of 36 drivers and occupants were involved in the incident, including two fatalities, and 16 injured persons were transported for medical care.
The two deceased individuals have been identified as Juan Beltran Sanchez, age 55, of Chino Valley, and Evelyn Davis, age 64, of Ganado.
AZDPS Highway Patrol state troopers and advanced collision investigators assigned to the Highway Patrol Northern Regional Vehicular Crimes Unit are investigating this incident. They were assisted in the investigation by troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement District.
Damage to the roadway and other infrastructure within the incident area as a result of the collision and subsequent fire is currently being evaluated by ADOT engineers.