Tempe, AZ (February 16, 2026) – One person was killed and another sustained serious injuries in a head-on, wrong-way crash overnight on US 60 near the I-10 interchange in Tempe. Authorities reported the collision occurred late Sunday night, February 15, along the freeway corridor. Emergency crews responded to the scene and began providing medical aid to those involved. Despite lifesaving efforts, one individual was pronounced dead at the scene. A second person was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Key Details
- Location: US 60 near I-10, Tempe
- Type of Incident: Wrong-way head-on crash
- Reported: Overnight Sunday, February 15
- Injuries: One fatality; one person seriously injured
- Road Status: Traffic impacted during investigation and cleanup
What We Know So Far
- The crash involved a wrong-way driver on US 60.
- The collision was described as a head-on impact.
- One person died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
- Another individual was hospitalized with serious injuries.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The identities of those involved.
- The events leading up to the wrong-way entry onto the freeway.
- Whether impairment or other factors contributed to the crash.
Local Context
The US 60 corridor near the I-10 interchange is a heavily traveled stretch of freeway in Tempe, connecting drivers to Phoenix and surrounding communities. Wrong-way crashes on high-speed roadways can be particularly severe due to the force of head-on impacts. When a fatal collision occurs along this section of freeway, authorities often shut down multiple lanes to allow for emergency response, investigation, and debris removal. Traffic can back up significantly during overnight closures, especially near major interchanges where vehicles merge and change lanes.
What to Do Next
- If you witness a wrong-way driver, call 911 immediately and provide the vehicle’s location and direction of travel.
- Remain at the scene if you are involved and follow instructions from responding officers and medical crews.
- If it is safe, note the time, location, and direction of travel while details remain fresh.
- Seek medical evaluation after any freeway collision, as high-speed impacts can cause injuries that are not immediately apparent.
FAQ
Q: Why are wrong-way crashes often severe?
A: Wrong-way collisions typically result in head-on impacts at high speeds, increasing the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries.
Q: Why do highway accidents create backups so quickly?
A: Freeways operate at high capacity, and even a single blocked lane can significantly reduce traffic flow, leading to rapid congestion.
Q: What does it mean when an accident is still under investigation?
A: It means authorities are reviewing evidence and circumstances to determine how the crash occurred and whether any violations were involved.
