TEMPE, AZ — Officials are investigating two crashes on US 60 near Rural Road in Tempe Monday morning. A child was killed in one of the crashes.
The first crash happened just before 8 a.m. in the westbound lanes near Rural Road. DPS says the driver of an SUV was trying to change lanes when a chain reaction crash occurred involving seven other vehicles. Two minors involved in the crash were taken to a hospital where one of them died.
Then, just after 8:20 a.m., an SUV traveling eastbound on US 60 crashed into the back of a DPS patrol vehicle that was on scene of the first crash. The DPS trooper was not in the vehicle at the time and was not injured. DPS says the driver of that SUV is suspected of impairment. They were taken to a hospital for treatment.
NOW: A crash involving several vehicles is blocking lanes in both directions of US 60 near Rural. Consider taking an alternate route. pic.twitter.com/vYrhTN2icr
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 12, 2024
Video from Arizona Department of Transportation cameras at the scene showed several vehicles heavily damaged on both sides of the freeway.
Westbound traffic was shut down at Loop 101 due to the crash for about three hours but has since reopened.
The identity of the child killed has not been released. The exact condition of the second child is unknown at this time.
