Officials say a major hit-and-run crash that shut down the US-60 eastbound at Higley on Friday morning has turned deadly.
The crash occurred around 4:30 a.m. when a box truck carrying barricades crossed over the lane line and hit an abandoned vehicle on the shoulder of the US-60 eastbound, according to a preliminary report from DPS.
The freeway was shut down for about six hours Friday morning but has since reopened.
Officials say the box truck swerved and hit the abandoned vehicle, ejecting the 21-year-old driver of the box truck from his vehicle and into the road.
According to officials, barricades from the back of the box truck flew into the road, prompting two good Samaritans to pull over and set up the barricades to divert traffic from the driver on the road.
As they were setting up, officials say a black truck blew through the barricades and ran over the ejected driver. Officials say the driver ejected from his vehicle has died.
The black truck did not stay at the scene. Police are treating this as a deadly hit-and-run crash.
CORRECTION: US 60 *EASTBOUND* is closed at Higley because of a crash. Expect this to remain closed through the morning commute. Alternate routes: L-202 Red Mountain or L-202 Santan. #PhxTraffic pic.twitter.com/4wMTLvcrbE
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 16, 2018
Officials from DPS are asking for the public's help in locating the vehicle that fled the scene.
The vehicle is believed to be a black or dark blue, 2001-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon. The vehicle will have damage to the right side and undercarriage.
Anyone with information is asked to call 602-223-2212.
The cause of the original crash is currently being investigated and the deceased driver has not yet been identified. Stay with ABC15 for updates.
