The westbound segment Loop 202 Santan Freeway at Lindsay Road in Gilbert, was shut down due to a tragic incident this past Friday night but has been reopened, as Arizona Department of Public Safety officials informed the public of a two-vehicle crash that occurred at the site. ABC15 reported that the collision began when a vehicle spun out of control and smashed into the barrier wall on the right shoulder, then halted, blocking travel lanes.
After the initial crash, three people exited the vehicle and stood by it, during which, a second car collided with the stationary vehicle and struck two of the individuals standing beside it. The second vehicle subsequently caught fire, adding to the emergency scene's urgency and chaos, 12 News confirmed the ensuing vehicle blaze, yet the driver of the flaming car remained unharmed, and stayed at the scene following the crash.
The events resulted in at least one fatality: a man who has yet to be identified publicly. Details surrounding the conditions of the others involved in the collision have not been disclosed at this time. The incident led to an overnight closure of the pertinent freeway segment, though it has since been cleared and traffic restored to its normal flow.
Currently, the Arizona Department of Public Safety is diligently investigating the crash to determine the specifics of the incident and to assess contributing factors. The investigation aims to piece together the moments that led up to the tragedy in an effort to provide clarity and, perhaps, eventual closure to those affected by the night's grim events. "DPS has confirmed the crash is deadly, but it's not clear how many people were killed or how many others were injured," sources from ABC15 conveyed.
