PHOENIX — A sewer worker was killed during a collision late Tuesday night along Grand Avenue, Phoenix police officials say.
The crash occurred near 33rd Avenue around 11 p.m.
Police say an employee working on the sewer system in the area was in the back of a box truck when a pick-up truck ran into the back of it.
The worker, only identified as a man, was taken to a hospital with critical injuries and later died.
The driver of the pickup truck was also taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Officials say the driver showed signs of intoxication and was processed for DUI.
Loved ones identified the man as Yusuf Munir. Brandy Munir says she and her husband were planning to renew their vows this year, travel abroad to see family, and were in the midst of buying a house.
“Christmases and Thanksgivings, he always wanted to be with all his kids, it’s just not going to be the same without him,” said Brandy.
Yusuf was a subcontractor doing routine work on a sewer system for the Phoenix Water Services Department.
In a statement, the City said, “The Phoenix Water Services Department is deeply saddened by this loss and extends its heartfelt condolences to the worker’s family, friends, and colleagues. Safety is a top priority for Phoenix Water, and the department remains committed to supporting the investigation into this incident.”
Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health was on Grand Avenue near 33rd Avenue on Wednesday. They’ve started an investigation to see if there are any OSHA violations. ABC15 is told that the investigation could take six months or longer
Soon, Brandy will make arrangements to lay Yusif to rest.
When asked what she would say to the driver processed for DUI after the crash, she said, ”I just hope that they understand the severity of their actions. They could have easily made another decision to stay home or get a driver and instead they got behind the wheel and took an innocent life. There was no need for that. And I hope their family doesn’t have to experience a loss like we have.”
The Governor's Office of Highway Safety said there were 249 fatal accidents in Arizona attributed to impairment in 2024.
The roadway was shut down overnight but has since reopened.
No further information was immediately available.
