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Wrong-way driver causes deadly crash near Maricopa

Posted at 4:12 AM, Feb 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-25 13:26:23-05

MARICOPA, AZ — A wrong-way driver caused a deadly crash late Sunday night near Maricopa.

The crash happened along SR-347 near Casa Blanca Road around 11:40 p.m, officials with the Arizona Department of Public Safety said.

A wrong-way driver was reportedly headed northbound in the southbound lanes of traffic when the driver hit another vehicle head-on.

The driver that was struck, identified as 67-year-old Ma C. Ponce of Mesa, was pronounced dead at a hospital.

DPS says the wrong-way driver suffered serious injuries.

The investigation is still ongoing, but DPS said impairment is believed to be a factor.

The suspect driver is a 31-year-old man from Maricopa who is still hospitalized. Charges are pending against him once he is released from the hospital.

Arizona Department of Transportation says SR-347 remained closed until after 6:30 a.m. Monday.