New details released about deadly pileup on icy northern Arizona freeway

PHOENIX – Authorities released new details about a deadly pileup on an icy northern Arizona freeway during a winter storm last week.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed on Interstate 40 in Williams around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, triggering a fiery collision that involved over 20 vehicles and left two people dead, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).

**Viewer Advisory — Crash Scene Footage**
These are the devastating results of the weather-related fatal collision on I-40 near Williams yesterday, March 13, 2025. Unfortunately, troopers are currently investigating another deadly weather-related collision on I-40 near Holbrook. pic.twitter.com/PnbW4FYBB6

— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) March 14, 2025

The jackknifed truck completely blocked westbound I-40. Multiple vehicles, including other tractor-trailers, crashed into it.

Some vehicles that stopped were rear ended. In some cases, they were pushed underneath tractor-trailers.

The collision caused a fire that spread to multiple vehicles and burned for over 20 hours, DPS said.

How many people were caught up in deadly pileup?

In all, 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger vehicles, carrying 36 drivers and passengers were involved in the deadly pileup.

Juan Beltran Sanchez of Chino Valley and Evelyn Davis of Ganado were killed in the crash.

Sixteen other people were transported to medical facilities to receive treatment for their injuries.

DPS said it will take time to complete the investigation into the deadly pileup due to the complexity of the incident.

In addition, Arizona Department of Transportation engineers are evaluating the extent of the damage to the roadway and infrastructure.

Multiple highways, including stretches of I-40, were closed in northern Arizona for an extended period due to last week’s winter storm activity.

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