Fiery wrong-way wreck shuts down freeway near Phoenix

PHOENIX – Four people were injured in a fiery wrong-way wreck on a freeway just south of Phoenix on Wednesday, authorities said.

State Route 347 had to be closed in both directions near Maricopa, which is about 35 miles south of downtown Phoenix.

SR 347 near W. Papago Road: Crash and vehicle fire blocking both directions. Use alternate routes. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/JOO1YUdIei

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) April 4, 2019

Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Kameron Lee told KTAR News 92.3 FM in an email Thursday that a pickup truck had been traveling north in southbound lanes near Clayton Road before smashing into an SUV around 8:15 p.m.

A 32-year-old woman driving the SUV and three children ages 15, 12, and 9 got out of the car before it burst into flames.

The driver of the truck, a 26-year-old man, also escaped before fire engulfed both vehicles.

The woman has been released from the hospital, DPS said.

Troopers shut down the road until about 11 p.m.

ABC15 reported one person was airlifted to a hospital.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Amy Phol contributed to this report.

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