Winslow, Arizona – A tragic crash on Interstate 40 early Wednesday morning near State Route 87 resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a teenage boy and a 4-month-old infant. The Arizona Department of Public Safety reported that the single-vehicle accident occurred at milepost 257.
The incident involved a pickup truck carrying eight occupants, which veered off the road into the median for reasons yet to be determined. Following an overcorrection by the driver, the truck rolled multiple times, leading to the ejection of three passengers, ultimately causing the fatalities of the infant, teenager, and adult male.
Five survivors, including the female driver, were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. At this time, the DPS has not ruled out the possibility of impairment as a contributing factor to the crash.
Although I-40 eastbound was briefly closed following the collision, it was promptly reopened to traffic. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation reveals a concerning trend of rising roadway fatalities in the state over the past decade. With a total of 1,057 deaths reported in 2020, there is a clear need for continued efforts to enhance road safety measures and reduce the number of preventable accidents.
ADOT emphasizes the importance of safe driving practices, including avoiding speeding and distractions, refraining from driving under the influence, ensuring seatbelt use, and being vigilant in work zones and adverse weather conditions. Real-time highway conditions are accessible through ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site, the AZ 511 app, and the department’s Twitter feed.
As authorities work to determine the exact cause of the tragic crash in Winslow, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of promoting responsible driving habits and prioritizing safety on the road.