TEMPE, AZ — A deadly crash near a freeway construction work zone is under investigation along Loop 202 in Tempe early Thursday morning.
Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say the collision occurred in the eastbound lanes of L-202 near McClintock Drive.
At the time of the crash, the left three lanes (HOV, #1, #2) were closed for a paving project. A dump truck carrying asphalt was being driven by an owner/operator delivering materials to the site.
According to DPS officials, the crash happened when the driver of the dump truck pulled out of the closed-off construction site into an active travel lane, the #3 lane.
The dump truck was traveling at about 15 miles per hour when an SUV struck it from the back.
A 34-year-old man from Texas, who was the only person in the SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the dump truck was not injured.
The driver of the dump truck was arrested pending charges. Officials say impairment has not been ruled out.
The roadway was shut down due to the crash for several hours, causing a lengthy traffic backup. The closure was lifted around 8:30 a.m.
The Arizona Department of Transportation released the following statement:
"Safety is ADOT’s highest priority, and we are cooperating with AZDPS as it continues its investigation. AZDPS has informed us that the crash this morning on the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway in Tempe involved a vehicle operated by a subcontractor for the ADOT project occurring there. This is a law enforcement matter, and AZDPS will be the source of further information on the crash."
