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Phoenix, AZ (June 16, 2026) – A motorcyclist died, and another person was injured after a three-vehicle wreck near 12th Street and Bell Road in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers were called to the intersection at about 5:33 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. Police said a motorcycle and two passenger vehicles were involved.
Witnesses told police the motorcyclist was traveling westbound on Bell Road when the motorcycle struck a vehicle making a left turn onto northbound 12th Street. The force of the collision pushed that vehicle into another vehicle stopped at a traffic signal, and witnesses reported the motorcycle caught fire.
The motorcyclist, identified as 34-year-old Carlos Alejandro Barnett Real, was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The driver of the passenger vehicle was also hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.
The investigation into the fatal collision is continuing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Carlos Alejandro Barnett Real.
Why Are Motorcycle Crashes Often More Severe Than Other Vehicle Crashes?
Motorcycle crashes can result in serious outcomes because riders have limited physical protection compared with people inside passenger vehicles. A motorcycle’s smaller size can also make it harder for other drivers to notice, especially during turns or at busy intersections.
Intersections are common sites of motorcycle crashes because vehicles often occupy the same space while turning, crossing, or changing direction. Factors such as visibility, speed, traffic signals, and driver awareness can affect how safely vehicles interact. Riders and drivers both benefit from staying alert, allowing enough space, and carefully checking surrounding traffic before making movements that could place them in another road user’s path.
