On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 3:27 p.m., a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on westbound Interstate 40 near milepost 159.5 in Williams, AZ. A winter storm was in the area at the time of the collision and the road was covered in snow and ice.

The collision initially blocked westbound I-40 in an area with guardrails on both sides and included a jackknifed tractor-trailer, which completely obstructed the interstate. Multiple vehicles, including additional tractor-trailers, failed to properly brake or slow down and collided with the blocking vehicles. Multiple passenger vehicles were rear-ended, pushing them into, and in some cases, underneath crashed tractor-trailers.

The collision caused a fire which quickly spread to the other involved vehicles and burned for more than 20 hours. Firefighters, state troopers, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) personnel, and tow truck operators worked relentlessly during this time to reduce the fire, provide care, and/or clear the scene.

The collision involved a total of 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger vehicles. A total of 36 drivers and occupants were involved in the incident, including two fatalities, and 16 injured persons were transported for medical care.

The two deceased individuals have been identified as:

• Juan Beltran Sanchez, born 1970, of Chino Valley, AZ
• Evelyn Davis, born 1961, of Ganado, AZ

AZDPS Highway Patrol state troopers and advanced collision investigators assigned to the Highway Patrol Northern Regional Vehicular Crimes Unit are investigating this incident. They were assisted in the investigation by troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement District. This is an active investigation and will take time to complete due to the number of involved vehicles and people, as well as extensive fire damage.

Damage to the roadway and other infrastructure within the incident area as a result of the collision and subsequent fire is currently being evaluated by ADOT engineers. Questions regarding that process can be directed to the ADOT PIO at [email protected].

The AZDPS would like to thank our many partner agencies for their assistance during this extensive incident. The teamwork displayed during this incident is a testament to the dedication of first responders within our state.

The AZDPS would also like to remind drivers of the importance of reducing their speed and leaving plenty of distance between vehicles when driving in snow and icy conditions. Drivers are encouraged to keep an emergency supply kit in their vehicle, especially when traveling in the snow. The ADOT has provided a list of suggested emergency supplies at www.azdot.gov/knowsnow.

Drivers are encouraged to review current road conditions at www.az511.gov, especially when hazardous weather conditions are expected.

No further details on this incident will be available until the investigation is complete.

Copies of the final incident report can be requested via public records request on the AZDPS public records request portal at psp.azdps.gov.

-- Update: March 11, 2025 --

Investigators have identified three of the individuals who were killed in this collision:

• Dustin Levi Cluff, 41, of Prescott Valley, AZ
• Melinda Marie Kobald, 38, of Peoria, AZ
• Norma Morales, 41, of Whittier, CA

Next-of-kin notification is pending for the fourth person.

No further information is available at this time.

-- Update: 10:30 a.m., March 2, 2025 --

*Important Note: The number of fatalities and injuries reported in our previous update was incorrect. Corrected numbers are provided below.

The Arizona Highway Patrol is conducting an extensive and detailed investigation into this tragic collision. Due to the number of vehicles and persons involved, this will take some time.

At this time, investigators believe there was an initial collision, followed by one or more secondary collisions, which resulted in additional injuries and deaths.

Troopers are investigating whether blowing dust was a significant factor in the collisions by potentially causing reduced visibility.

At this time, troopers believe the collision involved six commercial motor vehicles, four passenger vehicles, a van, and a recreational vehicle towing a trailer.

There are four confirmed fatalities, two people in critical condition who are receiving life-saving treatment, one person admitted for care and precautionary treatment, and five more people who were treated and released. These individuals were transported to numerous hospitals in the Valley area.

State troopers are still working to contact all the families of those involved and will not be releasing names or identification at this time. Our focus is on conducting a thorough and detailed investigation and supporting, as best we can, those involved in this tragic incident.

The eastbound travel lanes of Interstate 10 were reopened for traffic at approximately 3:10 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

The AZDPS and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) worked together closely to manage the scene, extended road closures, detours, and to quickly complete significant roadway repairs to reopen the road safely.

Witnesses and/or anyone with additional information are asked to report it to the AZDPS at 1-888-4AZTIPS (1-888-429-8477) or submit a tip online at www.azactic.gov.

--Update: 7:40 p.m., March 1, 2025 --

There are six confirmed fatalities as a result of this collision.

Thirteen people were transported to hospitals with injuries. *Please see updated information as of March 2, 2025.

Interstate 10 eastbound remains closed at milepost 88. There is no estimated time for reopening.

For updates on closures or to check current traffic and road conditions, please visit AZ511.com.

-- Preliminary Information: 7 p.m., March 1, 2025 --

Shortly before 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) troopers responded to the area of eastbound Interstate 10 near milepost 89 (west of Tonopah) for a collision involving multiple tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles. Numerous vehicles caught fire following the collision.

There are four confirmed fatalities as a result of this incident.

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 are closed at milepost 88. There is no estimated time for reopening.

Westbound travel lanes were closed but have since reopened.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek an alternate route.

For updates on reopening or to check current traffic and road conditions, please visit AZ511.com.

No further information is available at this time.