A quiet stretch of Lower Buckeye Road turned into a serious crash scene early today when a pickup truck collided with a Valley Metro bus, shutting down a chunk of the west Phoenix corridor and sending the truck’s driver to the hospital, according to Phoenix police.
The wreck happened around 4 a.m. near 51st Avenue, and Lower Buckeye was closed in both directions between 45th and 50th avenues while emergency crews worked the scene. Investigators were still processing the crash site as reporters arrived.
Scene details and injuries
Police and reporters at the scene described the pickup’s front end as heavily damaged, with the bus showing significant damage along its side. The bus operator was not hurt and there were no passengers on board at the time of the collision, according to Arizona's Family. The pickup driver was taken to a hospital in serious condition. Authorities did not immediately say how long the road would remain closed as the investigation continued.
About Valley Metro and rider impact
Valley Metro runs bus and light-rail service throughout the Phoenix metro area and posts rider alerts, detours and contact information online. Official updates related to this crash, if the agency issues any, will appear through Valley Metro. Riders whose usual routes cross Lower Buckeye are urged to check the transit agency’s alerts or local traffic reports before heading out.
Traffic impacts and where to get updates
The closure between 45th and 50th avenues slowed early commuters as traffic was routed around the scene. The City of Phoenix keeps an updated list of planned and emergency closures for drivers trying to steer clear of traffic trouble. For current information and contacts, see the City of Phoenix street closures page. Drivers should plan for detours in the area until investigators clear the roadway.
Investigation underway
"The crash is still under investigation," Arizona's Family reports, and Phoenix police have not released any information about possible factors such as speed or impairment. The department will determine next steps after on-scene reconstruction work and any witness statements are reviewed. This story will be updated if officials release additional details.
