WILLIAMS, AZ — Two people are dead and 16 others are hurt after a crash on Interstate 40 near Williams amid snow storms in the high country.
Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say the incident happened at milepost 159, west of Williams, Thursday just before 3:30 p.m.
I-40 remains closed at MP 159 near Williams as troopers investigate a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles, including tractor-trailers.
— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) March 14, 2025
Motorists are reminded to delay travel during storms. If you must drive, do so with extreme caution, prep your vehicle & expect delays. pic.twitter.com/cSEU44m5hM
Officials say the incident was a secondary crash due to a jackknifed vehicle that was blocking the roadway. Officials say some vehicles failed to reduce speed as traffic merged into the left lane, leading to another commercial vehicle jackknifing and crashing into multiple vehicles. Others were rearended and pushed into or underneath commercial trucks.
In all, the crash involved 22 vehicles, 13 passenger vehicles, five commercial vehicles and five unattached trailers.
One of the commercial vehicles caught fire and the flames spread to all involved vehicles. Officials say that due to weather, traffic congestion and other incidents, emergency response was delayed. The fire reportedly burned for more than 20 hours.
Two people are confirmed dead as a result of the crash. Thursday night, officials said three people were dead, but reduced the number to two Friday.
On Sunday, those two victims were identified as Juan Beltran Sanchez of Chino Valley and Evelyn Davis of Ganado.
The Department of Public Safety reminds people to delay travel during storms. If it can't be avoided, drive with extreme caution, prepare your vehicle and expect delays.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
