A three-vehicle crash in north Phoenix on Saturday morning brought traffic to a halt near 35th Avenue and Cactus Road, sending multiple people to hospitals and closing lanes in the busy corridor. Crews arrived in the late morning and treated both adults and children at the scene. Authorities said the cause of the collision was not immediately known.
What officials said
At about 10:30 a.m., Phoenix Fire crews responded to the three-vehicle crash near 35th Avenue and Cactus Road. Firefighters evaluated eight people at the scene, and six were taken to hospitals, including four children. A man, a woman and a boy were reported to be in critical condition. Westbound Cactus was shut down and 35th Avenue was closed in both directions while responders worked the scene, according to 12 News. ([azfamily.com](https://www.azfamily.com/2026/02/21/6-hospitalized-including-4-children-after-multi-car-crash-north-phoenix/?utm_source=openai))
Intersection history
The stretch of 35th Avenue at Cactus has seen other serious collisions in recent years, including a 2023 crash that left two people critically injured, local reporting shows. Traffic-safety advocates point to high speeds and heavy left-turn volumes at major arterial intersections as recurring hazards in north Phoenix. Phoenix police did not immediately release names or hospital updates as investigators worked to reconstruct the scene. ([abc15.com](https://www.abc15.com/traffic/two-seriously-hurt-in-crash-near-35th-avenue-and-cactus-road-in-north-phoenix?utm_source=openai))
Investigation and next steps
Police asked anyone with video or information to contact investigators, and officials said lanes reopened after initial scene work. Hospitals did not immediately release patient names or further condition updates. For ongoing coverage see 12 News and Arizona's Family. ([azfamily.com](https://www.azfamily.com/2026/02/21/6-hospitalized-including-4-children-after-multi-car-crash-north-phoenix/?utm_source=openai))
