Phoenix, AZ (January 26, 2026) – A man lost his life early on Monday morning after a violent collision involving a Valley Metro bus near 51st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in west Phoenix.
The crash occurred around 4:00 a.m. when the driver of a pickup truck reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the bus head-on. Emergency crews responded quickly and transported the male driver of the pickup to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
When officials arrived, they found the front end of the pickup severely crushed, while the side of the Valley Metro bus had sustained visible damage. Fortunately, no passengers were on board the bus at the time of the crash, and the bus driver was not injured, according to Phoenix Police.
As of Monday morning, Lower Buckeye Road remained closed in both directions between 45th Avenue and 50th Avenue while investigators continued their work. Police have not yet released the identity of the deceased driver, and the crash remains under active investigation.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life in this tragic accident.
