Phoenix, AZ (March 12, 2026) – Two people were hospitalized after a crash involving a car hauler and a pickup truck on Thursday morning, March 12, along Interstate 17 in Phoenix.
Emergency units responded late Thursday morning to the southbound lanes of I-17 near 7th St after reports of a collision blocking traffic. When crews arrived, they found a car hauler off the side of the freeway following the crash.
Witnesses reported that the car hauler crossed multiple lanes of traffic before striking a pickup truck. Authorities said the driver and a passenger in the pickup were taken to a hospital for treatment.
The extent of their injuries has not been released. The crash caused traffic delays in the area as crews worked at the scene.
Officials have not confirmed what led to the collision. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
Why Large Truck Crashes Can Disrupt Freeway Traffic
Crashes involving large trucks often create major traffic disruptions on busy highways. Vehicles such as car haulers are longer and heavier than standard passenger vehicles, which means they can block multiple lanes in the event of a collision.
If a large truck crosses lanes or leaves the roadway, other vehicles may have little room to avoid a collision. This can lead to sudden braking, traffic slowdowns, or additional crashes nearby.
Emergency crews often need extra time to clear these scenes. Large trucks may require special equipment to move them safely, and debris from the crash can spread across several lanes.
These factors can cause delays on major freeways while responders secure the area and remove damaged vehicles from the roadway.
