Williams, Arizona (Az Family) – Troopers identified two people who were killed last week in a massive, fiery stake caused by a snowstorm near Williams.
On Sunday, the Public Safety Division’s Troopers Bureau identified the two casualties as Juan Bertran Sanchez of Chino Valley and Evelyn Davis of Ganado, Arizona.
Investigators say a semi-truck jackknifeed on Thursday, March 13th, on I-40, a westbound, about four miles southwest of Williams. Jackknife’s semi-truck completely blocked the ice and snowy highway.
Multiple vehicles, including more semi-trucks, did not slow down and hit other vehicles. Multiple vehicles were at the rear ends and pushed them into several semi-trucks.
Troopers say that chain reaction collisions cause a fire and quickly spread to other vehicles.
According to DPS, the flames burned for 20 hours. “Firemen, state troopers, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) staff and tow truck operators have worked relentlessly to reduce fires, provide care and clear the scene during this time,” the department said.
Initial information from the DPS reported 18 vehicles involved, but authorities revised the number to 22 in Sunday’s update. In total, 36 drivers and passengers were involved in a fiery collision, with 16 people hospitalised.
Investigators assigned to the AZDPS Highway Patrol State Troopers and the Highway Patrol Northern Regional Vehicular Crimes Unit are conducting the investigation.
“The investigation is proactive and takes time due to the number of vehicles and people involved and the massive fire damage,” the department said in a statement.
Damage to the highway is currently being evaluated by Adot engineers.
Troopers keep reminding drivers to be slower and leave enough distance between the other vehicles when driving in the snow. Drivers should also hold emergency supply kits in their vehicles, especially when traveling in the snow. Adot provided a list of proposed emergency supplies in www.azdot.gov/knowsnow.
Four people were killed in a crash crash on an I-40 near Holbrook on Friday. The trooper says it is expected that more information about the crash will be released later.
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