It was a grim start to the Thursday commute in west Phoenix as a deadly crash before sunrise on Interstate 10 shut down multiple westbound lanes and the HOV ramp near 63rd Avenue, backing up traffic and slowing drivers during the early rush while troopers worked the scene.
Arizona's Family crews report the collision happened around 4:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-10 near 63rd Avenue. Their team saw a body on the roadway and captured video of a pedestrian running on the freeway moments earlier. The HOV lane stayed closed as investigators combed through the wreckage, and officials were releasing only limited details through the early morning.
Investigation Under Way
State troopers took control of the crash scene and investigators were still working to determine what led to the collision. As of mid-morning, authorities had not publicly identified the victim or said whether any drivers might face charges. Troopers typically wait to release a name until family members have been notified and lab testing is complete.
Wider Safety Context
Pedestrian fatalities remain an ongoing concern in Arizona. The state’s pedestrian death rate has ranked among the nation’s highest in recent years, at roughly 3.6 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to reporting by KJZZ. That trend has fueled statewide safety campaigns and calls for infrastructure changes aimed at slowing traffic and better protecting people on foot.
What Drivers Should Know
Drivers in the area should plan for delays and keep an eye on real-time updates from Arizona 511 and local traffic alerts. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s traveler page and the az511 app are listing current closures and any detours tied to the crash. This latest wreck follows other recent deadly collisions on I-10, including one that resulted in charges against a Tempe driver busted.
