Authorities have identified the two victims who lost their lives in a devastating multi-vehicle crash on March 13 amid a severe snowstorm in northern Arizona. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed that Juan Beltran Sanchez, 53, of Chino Valley, and Evelyn Davis, 62, of Ganado, died in the tragic pile-up, which occurred just before 3:30 p.m. on Interstate 40 near milepost 159.
The deadly crash unfolded when a commercial vehicle jackknifed on the snow- and ice-covered highway. As drivers attempted to maneuver around the obstruction, another commercial truck also jackknifed, setting off a chain reaction that ultimately involved 22 vehicles—including 13 passenger cars. In the chaos that ensued, Sanchez and Davis lost their lives.
A Catastrophic Chain Reaction
According to DPS, the pile-up was exacerbated by vehicles failing to brake or slow down properly due to the treacherous road conditions. The westbound lanes of I-40 were soon completely blocked, with guardrails on either side leaving drivers with nowhere to escape.
Among the vehicles involved were several tractor-trailers, which, upon colliding, sent smaller passenger cars careening into the wreckage. Some vehicles were crushed under the weight of overturned big rigs, and a fire ignited at the scene, burning for more than 20 hours.
First responders, including state troopers, firefighters, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) crews, and tow truck operators, worked tirelessly to battle the blaze, attend to the wounded, and clear the wreckage.
Extensive Damage and Ongoing Investigation
Thirty-six individuals were involved in the massive crash, with 16 transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. DPS has not yet provided updates on their conditions.
As investigators work to piece together the sequence of events, they face significant challenges due to the extensive fire damage. The heat from the prolonged blaze not only destroyed vehicles but also caused damage to the roadway itself. ADOT engineers are currently assessing the infrastructure damage within the incident area.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation will take time due to the sheer scale of the crash and the number of individuals involved.
A Stark Reminder of Winter Driving Dangers
The tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by winter weather conditions, particularly on major highways like I-40. DPS urges drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and increase following distances when navigating snowy or icy roads.
As the community mourns the loss of Sanchez and Davis, the crash stands as a heartbreaking example of how quickly road conditions can turn deadly.