Deadly Phoenix Light Rail Crash Shakes Central Avenue Commute
Let me walk you through what happened in Phoenix, because this was one of those tragic early-morning incidents that completely changed the rhythm of the city. Just after 5 a.m. on December 30, a serious crash unfolded at one of the busiest intersections in central Phoenix, right at Central Avenue and Indian School Road. A pickup truck collided with a Valley Metro light rail train, and the aftermath was devastating.
According to authorities, the truck was traveling eastbound on Indian School Road when it entered the intersection and struck a southbound light rail train. It is believed that the driver failed to stop at a red light, and within seconds, a normal commute turned into chaos. The impact was described as massive, with some witnesses even saying it sounded like an explosion. The light rail car was knocked off its tracks, and the pickup truck was left completely mangled.
Also Read:- Hawks Snap Skid in Style as Johnson Powers Past Timberwolves
- Last-Minute Shopping Made Easy: What’s Open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Sadly, the driver of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as a young man in his twenties. On board the train, several passengers were caught off guard by the violent stop. At least six people were riding the light rail at the time. Three were taken to the hospital as a precaution, while two others were reported to be in critical condition earlier in the day. For many riders, it was an experience they won’t forget.
One passenger described the ride as totally normal just moments before the crash. Conversations were happening, people were standing or seated as usual, and then suddenly there was an extremely loud bang. The train stopped abruptly, and confusion set in. Passengers were eventually escorted off the train, but the scene outside was described as overwhelming, with debris scattered and emergency crews everywhere. It was said that simply stepping off the train felt disorienting because of how severe the crash looked up close.
The crash forced a major shutdown of the Central Avenue light rail line. A portion of Indian School Road was also closed for hours as investigators worked the scene and crews cleared the wreckage. Valley Metro confirmed that service remained suspended for nearly a full day, creating travel disruptions across the area. Light rail service was finally restored early the next morning, once the scene was declared clear.
This incident has once again raised serious concerns about safety around light rail intersections. It serves as a sobering reminder that a single missed signal can have irreversible consequences, affecting not just one person, but an entire community trying to start its day.
Read More:
0 Comments