Two Dead in Wrong-Way Collision on SR-347 Near Riggs

On Monday, May 14, 2018 at 8:22 p.m., there was a three-vehicle, wrong-way fatal collision on southbound State Route 347 near Riggs Road. The at-fault vehicle, A 2017 gray Hyundai sedan, driven by Karen Ankiewicz, 70, of Sun City West, was northbound in the southbound lanes of SR-347 when it struck a red 2010 Chrysler 300, driven by Julissa Torres, 26, of Maricopa, head on. Both the wrong way driver and the driver of the Chrysler 300 were deceased on scene. Three additional passengers in the Chrysler 300 were transported to a local hospital. A 26-year-old adult male, and a four-year-old child from the Chrysler were admitted with non-life-threatening injuries. A one-year-old child from that same vehicle was evaluated and released. 

The driver and two passengers of a white 2002 Pontiac sedan, which struck the Chrysler after the initial collision, were also transported to a local hospital. The driver, a 57-year-old male and 13-year-old passenger were admitted for non-life-threatening injuries. A 15-year-old passenger in the Pontiac was treated and released.

At this time, it’s unknown if impairment or a medical issue were factors regarding the wrong way vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.  

The southbound lanes of SR-347 were closed for the duration of the investigation and re-opened just before 4 a.m.