Multi-vehicle crash amid blowing dust leaves 4 dead near Phoenix, Arizona
A multi-vehicle crash outside Phoenix, Arizona, claimed four lives on Saturday, March 1, 2025, amid blowing dust and low visibility.
A multi-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 10 near Tonopah, Arizona, about 80 km (50 miles) west of Phoenix, at approximately 13:00 MST on Saturday, March 1, resulting in four deaths and two people in critical condition. The crash involved 12 vehicles: six commercial motor vehicles (tractor-trailers), four passenger vehicles, a van, and a recreational vehicle towing a trailer.
As of 10:30 MST on March 2, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) reported that five of the injured had been treated and released from hospitals, while one person remained hospitalized for ongoing care and precautionary observation.
The collision took place during dust storm advisories issued by the National Weather Service in Phoenix, with wind gusts up to 65 km/h (40 mph) contributing to reduced visibility.
Authorities are investigating the cause, including the potential role of blowing dust and low visibility, with some vehicles catching fire in the aftermath. Eastbound I-10 was closed until 03:10 PST on March 2 due to the incident.
Investigators believe an initial collision was followed by one or more secondary collisions, leading to additional injuries and fatalities as the vehicles burst into flames. The I-10 eastbound lane was closed after the crash and reopened by 03:10 LT on March 3.
References:
1 Troopers Investigating Multi-Vehicle Fatal Collision on I-10 Near Tonopah – AZDPS – March 2, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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