PHOENIX, AZ — The driver involved in a crash near the light rail at 27th and Washington streets has died, according to Phoenix police.
Police say 28-year-old Adan Martinez Cruz was driving eastbound on 24th Street and Jefferson when he pulled into a stoplight. He allegedly began talking to the driver in the next vehicle over about racing, according to a witness at the intersection.
When the light turned green, Cruz and the driver allegedly took off at high rates of speed.
Cruz's 1994 Mitsubishi 3000 lost control and began to rotate, striking the curbing for the light rail track, Phoenix police say.
He then struck a power pole on the light rail, causing his vehicle to split in half at the light rail station at 27th and Washington streets. Cruz was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The second driver involved fled the scene, according to police. Police believe the driver is a Hispanic male in his 20s who possible drives a black Infinity.
Anyone with information on this crash is encouraged to contact Phoenix Police at 602-262-6141 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish.
Service Alert: Valley Metro light rail tracks are currently blocked at 27th St/Wash due to a collision. Service is interrupted between the 38th St. and 24th St. platforms on Washington St.. A bus bridge has been requested. #vmservice
— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) March 17, 2019
Service Update: Due to a collision in East Phoenix. westbound passengers traveling between Mesa Dr/Main St. will terminate at 38th St/Washington. Eastbound passengers will disembark at 1st St/Jefferson. A bus bridge is being prepared.
— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) March 17, 2019
Service Update: Due to a vehicle collision at 27th St./Wash. Valley Metro light rail service is blocked both east and westhbound. Eastbound passengers will disembark at 3rd St/Wash. Westbound passengers will terminate at 38th St/Wash. Bus bridges are being established. #vmservice
— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) March 17, 2019
Phoenix police say Jefferson and Washington streets were shut down in the area while officers investigated.
Stay with ABC15 News for updates.