Phoenix, AZ (April 20, 2025) – A tragic crash claimed the life of a teenage boy and left two adults critically injured Saturday afternoon in the area north of Laveen. The incident occurred around 3:10 p.m. at the intersection of 35th Ave and Lower Buckeye Rd, according to local fire officials.
Firefighters responded to the scene and discovered a van had crashed into a pole, trapping occupants inside. Crews worked swiftly to extricate two individuals from the wreckage. All three victims were transported to a nearby hospital, where the teen passenger later died from his injuries.
The driver of the van, an adult man, and another adult woman who was a passenger, both sustained critical injuries. They remain hospitalized as of the latest updates. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of those involved, and the cause of the crash is under investigation.
The intersection was closed for an extended period while emergency responders managed the scene and investigators began work to determine what led to the fatal collision.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the teen who lost his life, and our thoughts are with the injured adults as they recover.
Vehicle Crashes in Phoenix
Crashes involving a single vehicle striking fixed objects, such as poles or medians, are more common than many drivers realize—especially in urban areas where traffic patterns, speed, and distractions can play dangerous roles. In this case, the van’s impact with a pole resulted in a catastrophic outcome.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, Phoenix continues to report a significant number of serious and fatal crashes involving passengers each year. High-speed roadways and heavily trafficked intersections, including 35th Ave and Lower Buckeye Rd, are especially prone to such incidents.
Authorities often point to contributing factors like distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or mechanical issues in single-vehicle crashes. Thorough investigations help uncover what role, if any, these elements may have played.
Following such tragic events, family members and injured parties may face overwhelming medical costs, emotional trauma, and difficult recovery periods. Legal and medical assistance can help victims and families seek justice and support through these challenges.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.