CHANDLER, Ariz. — Five people are dead after a tractor-trailer rear-ended five vehicles, causing them to hit another big rig and burst into flames on Interstate 10 in Chandler.
The crash happened at 6:15 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12, when an 18-wheeler driver failed to stop for congested traffic and rear-ended two passenger vehicles, wedging them into the back of a second tractor-trailer, according to the Arizona State Police.
The second truck was thrust forward and hit two additional cars.
The two passenger vehicles crushed between the two big rigs burst into flames, killing five occupants.
The fire then spread to the tractor-trailer that authorities say caused the crash.
The at-fault tractor-trailer driver sustained minor injuries, police said.
Other people who were involved in the wreck also reported minor injuries.
Arizona State Troopers are investigating distracted driving as a possible factor in the collision. They are being assisted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety detectives with the Vehicular Crimes Unit in the investigation.
The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner ruled that the cause of death for all five people killed was fire.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
How much do you wanna bet the the other truck drivers never said,”break check ahead , slower down and give a mile marker.
this new generation of drivers are real stupid.
TB, I’m old school. The fact of the matter is he more than likely wasn’t paying attention and before he realized it, it was too late. Whether someone says anything or not about the backup is irrelevant because he should’ve been paying attention to traffic conditions! I’m sorry but it is sad 5 people are no longer here because he was more than likely distracted by whatever he was doing at time!
No one talks on the radio anymore and if they do chances are the others aren’t listening.
terrifying and totally preventable. that lane ALWAYS backs up in early morning. ALWAYS.
How horrible. AZ should have installed flashing warning lights along that stretch coming into Chandler years ago. So sad.
are they ever going to start a tabulation on how many of these crashes involve trucks with automatic transmissions versus stick…they are throwing people who can’t even grasp shifting gears into a killer machine that drives like a car until time to stop
I it was STILL old school your about one thing the generalration of driver’s are stupid some times and one more thing these company’s through these drivers be the behind the seat with ver little experience they go to driving for two to three weeks with very little training
it’s all about saving some money on insurance, companies could care less if there drivers have experience going up or down steep mountain hills weighted full,
or ability to know what lane to keep a slow moving truck in. most center lane truckers
impede traffic. Don’t know how to enter, or exit a highway, armateurs. What’s a Gear for??? Greed! All mighty Dollar!
It is all about speed of the mind. Unfortunately all the above comments are accurate and sad. Training is just not sufficient to get into the mind of today’s younger drivers who only think as “getting there” is all about how fast!! Watching ahead for brake lights is mandatory PERIOD!!