Light rail car destroyed in fiery crash with semi-truck in downtown Phoenix, service delayed

PHOENIX — A crash between a light rail and semi-truck in downtown Phoenix caused a massive fire department response on Sunday evening.

According to the Phoenix Fire Department, the crash happened around 7:20 p.m. near the intersection of 18th and Washington streets.

Service Alert: Due to a collision at 18th St/Washington blocking the tracks, westbound A line trains will be servicing passengers at the 24th St/Jefferson and the 12th St/Jefferson stations. #vmservice #phxtraffic

— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) September 15, 2025

Fire crews were able to contain the fire and prevent it from jumping to nearby buildings.

The heavy flames and smoke de-energized the light rail’s power system.

The semi-truck driver was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition and no employees or passengers on the light rail were injured.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Phoenix Fire Department (@phoenixfiredepartment)

Washington Street was closed between 16th and 20th streets on Monday morning due to the cleanup of the crash and repairs to the light rail system.

Latest updates on Valley Metro light rail service

Valley Metro said light rail passengers should expect delays on Monday morning as the cleanup continues.

In Monday statement, Valley Metro said their east and west service on Washington Street continues to be closed but riders can still utilize Jefferson Street to go both directions. Westbound A-line trains are currently providing service at 12th Street/Jefferson and 24th Street/Jefferson.

Because “single-tracking” service will cause delays, Valley Metro said it is deploying shuttle buses to help westbound travelers.

Valley Metro in the statement said it is “work diligently” to restore its normal service in the area and is grateful for help from the Phoenix Fire, Phoenix Police and city departments, including Streets and Public Works and local tow experts.

All of the latest updates can be found on Valley Metro’s social media channels.

Related

A healthier home starts with comfort and clean airFogo de Chao opens 2nd Valley location in GilbertSAFE Alert canceled after missing 77-year-old woman last seen in Phoenix found safeArizona erases more than $1 billion in medical debt for nearly 671,000 residentsNew website on Surprise ICE facility shows city still in the dark on key questionsAvondale PD investigating ‘suspicious’ disappearance of 3 missing family members