Traffic in north Phoenix came to a standstill early Sunday after a deadly crash shut down Bell Road at 12th Street for hours on May 17, 2026. First responders were called shortly before 2 a.m., finding multiple heavily damaged vehicles and debris scattered across the roadway. Authorities said investigators are working to figure out what triggered the collision and whether impairment might have been involved.
What We Know So Far
According to Arizona's Family, crews at the scene saw two vehicles that were severely damaged and an engine block that had been hurled several yards from the main wreckage. The outlet also reported that a body was visible at the scene while emergency personnel began their investigative work.
Intersection Closed; Drivers Urged To Reroute
Arizona's Family reports that “the intersection is closed in all directions.” Officials urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes while crews handle cleanup and investigators document the scene. The closure stretched through the morning as authorities worked the crash site.
Why This Matters For Drivers
Bell Road is one of Phoenix’s main east-west arterials and has been the site of multiple serious collisions in recent years, according to the Phoenix Police Department. The City of Phoenix has been rolling out measures such as photo-enforcement cameras on busy corridors to curb speeding and reduce catastrophic crashes, as noted by the City of Phoenix.
What Investigators Say
Police have not yet released the names of any victims or publicly confirmed the official cause of the collision. Detectives are expected to provide updates as evidence is processed and any toxicology results, if ordered, come in. This story will be updated when authorities release more information.
