Deadly I-17 Crash in Phoenix Claims Two Lives, Leaves One Seriously Injured

PHOENIX — A tragic wrong-way accident on Interstate 17 early Thursday morning has left two dead and one person hospitalized. The crash occurred around 2 a.m. in the northbound lanes near Adams Street, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Officials reported that 23-year-old Maria Delrefugio Vazquez, driving in the wrong lane, collided with another vehicle. Vazquez was killed in the impact.

The other vehicle involved, occupied by a man and a woman, suffered severe injuries. The woman, identified as Dayana Viola Aguilar, 29, later succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) noted that thermal cameras along I-17 had detected the wrong-way driver near Bethany Home Road. This prompted alert signs indicating “Wrong-Way Vehicle Ahead” to be displayed on overhead message boards prior to the collision.

DPS Sgt. Eric Andrews urged drivers to heed such warnings by moving to the far-right lanes and exiting the freeway when encountering these alerts. “It’s a challenge to process this information quickly, especially at night,” he stated. Most incidents occur during late-night or early-morning hours in the left lanes, he noted.

In 2023, ADOT recorded 126 wrong-way incidents, including 13 that resulted in fatalities. “We can’t solely rely on enforcement or engineering to resolve this issue,” Andrews added.

Alongside thermal cameras, ADOT has implemented hundreds of wrong-way signs and red-glowing reflectors on pavement markers. However, these measures can’t entirely prevent wrong-way driving, predominantly caused by impairment. “Society must take responsibility for drinking and driving,” Andrews emphasized, suggesting options like rideshares or public transport as alternatives.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner will investigate whether impairment was a factor in this incident.

Arizona has seen a gradual increase in roadway fatalities, despite ongoing safety initiatives. Data from ADOT reflected an upward trend over the last decade, with 1,057 deaths recorded in 2020.

ADOT continues to provide driving safety tips, including reminders to avoid aggressive driving, never drive under the influence, and stay alert in work zones. They encourage the public to prioritize safety while on the road.