Deadly I-40 Crash: Snow and Ice Create Chaos, Leaving 2 Dead and 16 Injured

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — A catastrophic crash involving 22 vehicles occurred near Williams on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported that the fire ignited by the collision burned for over 12 hours.

Authorities identified the victims as Juan Beltran Sanchez of Chino Valley and Evelyn Davis of Ganado. The accident took place on a roadway blanketed by snow and ice, significantly contributing to the chaotic scene.

The collision involved 13 passenger cars, five commercial vehicles, and five unattached trailers. In total, 36 people were present in the vehicles at the time of the crash.

The incident began when a commercial tractor-trailer jackknifed, obstructing the right side of the highway. As other drivers attempted to navigate around it, a second tractor-trailer failed to slow down, resulting in further collisions that pushed numerous vehicles beneath the trucks.

One of the impacted commercial vehicles subsequently caught fire, and flames quickly engulfed the surrounding vehicles. ADOT officials attributed the delayed emergency response to severe weather, traffic congestion, and multiple ongoing incidents.

Initially, reports indicated that three people had died, but the Department of Public Safety later confirmed that only the two identified victims perished in the crash.

Motorists are being urged to avoid travel during storms or to exercise extreme caution if travel is unavoidable. They should prepare their vehicles appropriately and anticipate significant delays.

This story is still developing. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.