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Phoenix, AZ (August 28, 2026) – A 54-year-old woman was killed on Wednesday afternoon, August 26, in a crash involving a car and a semi-truck near 55th Avenue and Van Buren Street in west Phoenix.
Police responded shortly before 2:30 p.m. and found two people inside the car with serious injuries. The woman was riding as a passenger, while a 57-year-old man was driving.
Both were taken to a hospital, where the woman later died. The driver remained in critical condition. The semi-truck driver stayed at the scene.
Investigators continue reviewing the collision. We extend our sincere condolences to the woman’s family and loved ones, and we hope the critically injured driver recovers fully.
Why Can Crashes With Semi-Trucks Cause Fatal Passenger Injuries?
Semi-trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars, so a collision can transfer substantial force into the smaller vehicle.
Passenger injuries can be especially severe when the point of impact is close to the occupied side of the car. The amount of cabin intrusion and sudden change in movement can increase the risk of head, chest, and internal trauma.
Vehicle speed, impact angle, size difference, seating position, and structural damage can all influence injury severity. Crashes involving large commercial trucks can become life-threatening very quickly because of the forces involved.
