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PD: Driver dies following collision with light rail pole in Phoenix

Man crashes into light rail pole
Posted at 6:40 PM, Mar 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-17 11:45:16-04

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.

Phoenix police say Jefferson and Washington streets were shut down in the area while officers investigated.

Stay with ABC15 News for updates.