MESA, AZ — Police say one person is dead and four others are injured after a semi-truck plowed through a block wall and into a Mesa home Thursday night.
Officials say the truck was headed eastbound on US 60 and exiting on the Crismon off-ramp when it failed to stop. The truck continued through the intersection and into a house.
We are currently on scene for a vehicle into a residence accident at US60 and Crismon on the SE corner. Please avoid the area if possible as we work to clear the scene of hazards. Media if responding please stage to the south of the scene. PIO en route. pic.twitter.com/vvUnsYRtpz
— Mesa Police Dept. (@MesaPD) January 1, 2021
There were 10 people inside the home at the time of the crash. Four people in the home were transported to the hospital. One person, identified as 50-year-old Todd Welliver, later died, according to Mesa police.
A photo of Todd Welliver, the victim, shared by family. @abc15 pic.twitter.com/d2RGcmPZZw
— Adam Waltz (@Adam_Waltz) January 1, 2021
The driver of the semi-truck suffered minor injuries.
Mesa firefighters say the truck, which was transporting medical supplies, spilled 50-100 gallons of diesel fuel. Crews on scene are working to determine the structural integrity of the house before allowing anyone back in.
The driver's name is Daniel Tobon, and has been a long-time driver for On Land Transportation. Mesa Police say Tobon did not recall the crash, when being questioned about it afterward. Police are awaiting a toxicology report to determine whether or not Tobon was impaired at the time of the crash.
Welliver is remembered by neighbors as a kind person, and the local handyman.
"He was a kind man, didn't have a mean bone in his body," said Amanda Schafer, a neighbor, who added that he always lent a helping hand, or a tool, whenever she needed help.
Ten people lived in the house, including a soon-to-be two-year-old, and a three-month-old. Family said that a 13-year-old girl is currently in the hospital suffering from a ruptured spleen.
Authorities say preliminary information suggests the driver may have had a medical emergency before the crash. No charges have been filed at this time.
A GoFundMe has been set up for anyone interested in helping the family as they work to rebuild.
