Mesa, AZ (April 1, 2026) – A woman died on Wednesday morning after a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck along US 60 in the East Valley.
The accident occurred around 9 a.m. near US 60 and Higley Rd in Mesa. According to officials, the woman was driving a passenger vehicle when it struck the rear of a semi-truck along the highway.
Authorities said the woman exited her vehicle after the initial collision. She then ran into traffic and was struck by another vehicle.
The woman was later pronounced dead from her injuries. Her identity has not been released at this time.
Officials said the driver of the vehicle that struck the woman remained at the scene following the incident. Information about what led up to the crash remains limited.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
What Can Happen After a Highway Crash When People Exit Their Vehicles
After a crash on a highway, traffic conditions can remain dangerous even after the vehicles stop moving. High speeds and heavy traffic make it difficult for approaching drivers to react quickly.
When people leave their vehicles on busy roadways, they may be exposed to passing traffic. This risk increases when the crash occurs in active travel lanes, where other drivers may not expect to encounter someone on foot.
Safety experts often advise drivers involved in highway crashes to remain inside their vehicles when possible and move to a safer area if the vehicle can still be driven. Hazard lights and warning signals can also help alert approaching traffic.
Roadway design, traffic flow, and driver visibility can all affect how safely people can respond after a crash. These factors are often considered when examining incidents that occur after the initial collision.