Child killed in multivehicle crash on I-10 in Phoenix; eastbound lanes backed up

A 4-year-old child died and a 2-year-old was seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash that closed eastbound traffic on Interstate 10 near 43rd Avenue in Phoenix late Tuesday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Dispatchers received numerous calls about the crash around 11:20 a.m.

A preliminary investigation found that a Dodge Challenger rear-ended a Toyota Corolla that had slowed for traffic, pushing it into the back of a Chrysler Pacifica, DPS said.

Impairment not ruled out as factor in crash that caused I-10 closure

The two children were wearing seat belts in the Corolla’s back seat, DPS said.

The 4-year-old was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and later pronounced dead. The 2-year-old was taken to another hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Their mother, who was driving the Corolla, was not injured, according to DPS. A passenger in the Pacifica and the Challenger’s driver were left with minor injuries.

Investigators have not ruled out impairment as a factor involving the Challenger’s driver, DPS said.

How bad is traffic near 43rd Avenue and I-10 in Phoenix?

As of noon, traffic was backed up to 83rd Avenue. Westbound lanes remained open, and there was no estimated time for eastbound lanes to reopen, according to ADOT.

*CLOSURE*

I-10 eastbound is CLOSED in Phoenix.

The closure is due to a crash near 43rd Avenue.

For real-time traffic info, check https://t.co/6KDOB26Kvd and the AZ511 app:
📱Apple: https://t.co/YMcnUEep0U
📱Android: https://t.co/9oINS4xP1h https://t.co/9rH3sjXfGu

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) October 6, 2026

ADOT advised drivers to expect delays and use alternate routes.

Get the latest KTAR News 92.3 FM traffic alerts sent straight to your phone by texting “TRAFFIC” to 620620.

Related

Interstate 10 near Buckeye reopens after crash caused 5-hour closureLoop 202 Santan Freeway reopens 5 hours after deadly crash in ChandlerPhoenix takes steps to reduce backlog of 40,000 police public records requestsIt’s another busy weekend of construction across the Valley freeway systemGlendale intersection closed after pedestrian hit by truck, critically injuredWatch out for these Phoenix-area freeway closures as crews stay busy this weekend