In a grisly early morning incident yesterday, three lives were snuffed out in a head-on collision on SR 87 near Fountain Hills, as a driver went the wrong way down the highway, Arizona authorities confirmed. The deadly smash-up took place just south of Shea Boulevard around 4:30 a.m., as reported by ABC15. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), the rogue vehicle was headed southbound in the northbound lanes before striking another vehicle.
All three victims, passengers in the northbound vehicle, perished at the scene. The two survivors of the ghastly crash were, according to DPS, the drivers involved. As identified by FOX 10 Phoenix, the collision occurred near milepost 187, adjacent to the Hayden-Rhodes Aqueduct. DPS has yet to release the names of the deceased.
The roadway was blocked off for approximately nine hours as DPS meticulously investigated what precipitated the fatal encounter. While impairment has not been ruled out, officials have not yet stated if the wrong-way driver will be slapped with charges.
Commenting on the frequency of such deadly events on SR 87, a local resident lamented, "Honestly, it sounds like a racetrack. I'm not even kidding," as told to FOX 10 Phoenix. For a stretch of highway once ominously referred to as "Bloodbath Highway," this latest tragedy is a stark reminder of mortality's grip on even our most routine travels.
In the wake of the accident, DPS spokesperson Warren Trent expressed his sorrow, particularly given the timing of the holiday weekend. "It’s tragic any time. But the fact that it's Memorial Day weekend, you know, when we want people to relax, have fun, we also want people to remain safe," he said in a poignant statement to FOX 10 Phoenix. DPS's investigation into the crash continues as the community mourns the sudden and heartbreaking loss.
