Firefighter dies on northern edge of Mesa after serious crash

PHOENIX – A mile-long stretch of State Route 87 along the northern edge of Mesa has reopened after it was shut down Friday afternoon because of a serious collision, authorities said.

According to the Phoenix fire department, one firefighter EMT in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa County Department died in the wreck and two others were injured, which involved a tractor-trailer and an ambulance.

The roadway, also known as the Beeline Highway, was closed between Mesa Drive and Gilbert Road around 1 p.m., the Arizona Department of Transportation said.

Northbound traffic had to turn onto Mesa Drive during the closure, while southbound vehicles had to detour onto Gilbert Road.

State Route 87 is now open in both directions.

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