Phoenix, AZ (January 27, 2026) – A tragic head-on collision early Monday morning claimed the life of a local driver in west Phoenix. According to the Phoenix Police Department, the crash occurred around 4:00 a.m. near the intersection of 51st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. Investigators say 48-year-old Mota Jr. Delfino of Phoenix was driving a pickup truck when he attempted to pass traffic by using a left-turn lane. Delfino swerved to avoid another vehicle, entered oncoming traffic, and collided head-on with a Valley Metro bus.
Delfino was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities confirmed there were no passengers on the bus at the time, and the driver was not injured. Valley Metro personnel assisted at the scene alongside Phoenix Police, who closed Lower Buckeye Road between 45th Avenue and 50th Avenue for several hours. The roadway has since reopened. The crash remains under investigation as officials continue reviewing what caused the truck to enter the opposing lane.
Key Details
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Where: Lower Buckeye Rd near 51st Ave
- Type: Fatal Head-On Crash Involving Bus
- Reported: January 26, at approximately 4:00 AM
- Injuries: One fatality (Mota Jr. Delfino)
- Responding Agency: Phoenix Police Department, Valley Metro
What We Know So Far
- Mota Jr. Delfino, 48, was killed after a head-on crash with a Valley Metro bus.
- The crash occurred when Delfino entered oncoming traffic while attempting to pass in a turn lane.
- No one else was injured, and the bus had no passengers on board.
- Lower Buckeye Rd was closed between 45th Ave and 50th Ave and has since reopened.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The speed of either vehicle at the time of the crash.
- Whether weather, visibility, or road conditions played a role.
- The full sequence of events leading to the crash.
- Final findings from the police investigation.
Local Context
Lower Buckeye Road near 51st Avenue is a busy arterial route in west Phoenix, often used by commuters and transit vehicles during early morning hours. The section of roadway where the crash occurred includes multiple lanes with left-turn pockets, which can present challenges when traffic is light or visibility is low. The involvement of a Valley Metro bus led to rapid coordination between transit personnel and law enforcement to secure the scene and redirect traffic. Although the bus driver was uninjured and no passengers were on board, the incident marks a significant tragedy for the community. Investigators are continuing to review evidence and driver behavior leading up to the collision.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate with first responders. Leaving before the police arrive can create complications later.
- Request the incident or report number from responding officers if one is provided.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
FAQ
Q: What are common causes of head-on collisions?
A: Head-on crashes often occur due to improper passing, distracted driving, impairment, or sudden lane departures into oncoming traffic.
Q: Why might a road be closed for hours after a crash?
A: Serious crashes require thorough investigation, evidence collection, and safe removal of damaged vehicles, all of which take time.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means officials are actively reviewing scene evidence, vehicle data, and statements to determine how and why the crash occurred.
