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Pima County, AZ (February 27, 2026) – One person was seriously injured in a rollover crash involving an off-road vehicle in Pima County on Thursday, February 26. The incident happened just before midnight in the Box Canyon area.
Emergency units responded and located a UTV that had gone off the side of an embankment. Three adults were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Two of the occupants declined medical care at the scene. The third person suffered significant injuries and required assistance to be removed from the crash area. Crews carried out a technical rescue to safely reach and extract the injured person.
The victim was then taken to a hospital for further treatment. No additional details about the circumstances leading up to the rollover have been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
Safety Risks Associated With Off-Road Vehicle Use in Pima County
Off-road vehicles like UTVs are often used in areas such as Box Canyon, where the terrain can be uneven and unpredictable. Steep slopes, loose gravel, and narrow paths can increase the chance of a rollover, especially at night.
When a vehicle goes off an embankment, rescue efforts can become more complex. Crews may need extra time and equipment to safely reach injured occupants in remote or hard-to-access locations.
Wearing proper safety gear and using seat restraints can help reduce the risk of serious injury. Traveling with others and staying aware of terrain conditions can also make off-road travel safer in rural parts of Pima County.
