An early-morning rollover crash on eastbound Interstate 10 near the Jackrabbit Trail off-ramp in Buckeye left a dump truck driver dead Thursday, authorities said. The wreck happened just after 5:30 a.m., and troopers found the vehicle overturned with the driver pronounced dead at the scene.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety told FOX 10 Phoenix the dump truck had been hauling sand, and investigators believe a tire blowout may have caused the driver to lose control and roll the vehicle. DPS also said the driver’s identity was not immediately released as the investigation continues.
The eastbound Jackrabbit Trail off-ramp was shut down while crews worked to clear spilled sand and twisted wreckage, backing up morning traffic for West Valley commuters. Arizona's Family reported that troopers and tow crews remained on scene as cleanup was underway.
Why tire failures are dangerous for heavy trucks
Tire failures are a well-known hazard for large trucks because a sudden loss of a tire or wheel can quickly throw a heavy vehicle off balance, especially on ramps and at highway speeds. Federal research has found that vehicle problems, including brake trouble, tire or wheel failures and cargo shift, were coded as the critical reason in roughly 10 percent of large-truck crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Large Truck Crash Causation Study (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Braking problems were especially common among vehicle-related causes in that study.
What investigators will look for
In a case like this, investigators typically review the truck’s inspection and maintenance records, examine the condition of the tires and wheels, and check how the load was secured. They work to determine whether a mechanical failure, an overloaded or shifting load, speed or the roadway’s design played a role in the rollover. FOX 10 Phoenix reports that DPS troopers are leading the on-scene investigation and that more information will be released as officials move through their review.
At this stage, troopers have not released the driver’s name and are asking anyone with dash-cam video or information related to the crash to contact Arizona DPS, according to Arizona's Family. Motorists are being urged to follow local traffic updates for detour information while the ramp remains closed.
