Traffic through central Phoenix turned into a nightmare Wednesday night after a person jumped onto eastbound Interstate 10 at the I‑17 "Stack" interchange, shutting down the freeway and clogging the evening commute for hours. Officers were called to the area at about 8 p.m., and first responders pronounced the person dead at the scene. Preliminary accounts indicate multiple vehicles hit the person after the fall, and some of those drivers did not stay behind.
What officials are saying
Phoenix Fire Department crews pronounced the person dead at the scene, according to KTAR News. The outlet reports that officers were called to the I‑10/I‑17 interchange just after 8 p.m. and that detectives found someone on eastbound I‑10 as the initial response unfolded. The Arizona Department of Public Safety has taken over the investigation into multiple hit‑and‑run collisions tied to the incident.
Traffic impacts and detours
Eastbound I‑10 was shut down at the Stack interchange while crews worked the scene. The Arizona Department of Transportation said the I‑17 northbound to I‑10 transition ramp was also closed, with traffic detoured onto southbound I‑17 (ADOT). The agency warned drivers to expect long delays and to seek alternate routes. Westbound I‑10 lanes were not affected, but there was no immediate estimate for when eastbound lanes would reopen.
Investigation underway
The Arizona Department of Public Safety says it is investigating the hit‑and‑run collisions connected to the incident (AZDPS). Detectives with the Phoenix Police Department remained on scene gathering evidence and reviewing video as the freeway closure dragged on (Phoenix Police). Authorities asked anyone with dash‑cam footage or other information about drivers in the area around 8 p.m. to contact investigators. Officials have not released the victim's name, age or gender as the probe continues.
What drivers should know
Commuters can expect lingering delays while cleanup and the investigation continue, and ADOT urged drivers to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time. The incident did not affect westbound I‑10 traffic, but backups stretched onto surface streets as eastbound lanes stayed closed. Police say they will release more information if and when it becomes available.
