2 die, 2 seriously injured in Phoenix freeway accidents

PHOENIX — Two people died, including a good Samaritan, and two others were critically injured Monday morning in a pair of accidents on Interstate 17 in Phoenix.

A motorcyclist and someone trying to help died near Union Hills Drive. The woman was one of three good Samaritans hit by a car while they tried to reach the cyclist.

DPS: Car hits 3 ppl trying to help motorcyclist who crashed on SB 17/Union Hills this a.m., killing motorcyclist & a woman. 2 in hospital. pic.twitter.com/o6ICGmzBOZ

— Liz Kotalik FOX 10 (@LizKotalikFOX10) May 1, 2017

A spokesman for the Arizona Department of Public said another would-be rescuer was unharmed.

(Tad Koscielniak Photo)

The wrecks shut down southbound lanes at Loop 101 and the loop’s eastbound and westbound ramps to I-17 were also closed.

UPDATE: I-17 NB at Yorkshire: 2 left lanes have been REOPENED.. Expect delays.. #phxtraffic

— MCDOT News (@MCDOTNews) May 1, 2017

Update: I-17 NB south of L-101: Left lane is now open, along with HOV. #phxtraffic pic.twitter.com/jjmVtoPicU

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 1, 2017

The northbound lanes were reopened around 8:40 a.m. The southbound lanes reopened about 10:30 a.m.

The Phoenix Fire Department said it had treated four people at the scene.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reported that traffic was diverted onto Loop 101.

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