MESA, AZ — Two people are dead following a crash Saturday morning on U.S. 60 near Mesa Drive.
Just before 1:30 a.m., Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers responded to the eastbound lanes of U.S. 60 for reports of a crash.
DPS said a Honda Fit hit a Chevy Impala on the eastbound HOV lane of US 60. The Impala then came to a rest blocking the HOV lane.
A Honda motorcycle then hit the rear of the Impala causing the motorcycle rider to be ejected.
The motorcycle rider, identified as 48-year-old Brian Saunders of San Tan Valley, died at a nearby hospital.
Shortly afterward, a Nissan van was heading eastbound when the driver lost control and hit the concrete median wall.
The driver of the Nissan van, identified as 60-year-old Ricardo Montana of Gilbert, was pronounced dead at the scene.
DPS said investigators suspect impairment for the driver of the Honda Fit, identified as 27-year-old Bryan Badillo of Queen Creek.
Badillo was arrested and is facing two manslaughter charges.
He was placed on supervised release early Monday morning.
UPDATE: All lanes are now open on US 60 EB. #aztraffic #phxtraffic https://t.co/QiLApv6tRn
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) May 15, 2021
