WILLIAMS, Ariz. — Two people died in a crash involving 22 vehicles near Williams on Thursday. A fire caused by the crash burned for more than 12 hours, according to ADOT officials.
DPS identified the victims as Juan Beltran Sanchez of Chino Valley and Evelyn Davis of Ganado.
The roadway was covered in snow and ice when the crash happened, according to DPS.
13 passenger cars, five commercial vehicles and five “unattached trailers” were involved in the fiery crash.
DPS said a total of 36 drivers and occupants were involved in the crash.
The crash was caused after a commercial tractor-trailer jackknifed in the road, blocking the right side of the highway. While other vehicles slowed to pass the tractor-trailer on the left, another tractor-trailer “failed to reduce speed” and jackknifed, officials said. That second tractor-trailer pushed several vehicles into or underneath the commercial trucks, ADOT officials said.
The crash caused one of the commercial vehicles to catch on fire and the flames quickly spread to the other vehicles.
“Due to severe weather, traffic congestion, and other ongoing incidents, emergency response was delayed,” ADOT officials said. “The fire burned for more than 12 hours, destroying all vehicles.”
Two people who died in the crash were both passengers in separate vehicles, ADOT officials said. Department of Public Safety official originally said three people died in the crash but confirmed Friday that two people died.
“Motorists are reminded to delay travel during storms,” DPS officials said on social media. “If you must drive, do so with extreme caution, prep your vehicle & expect delays.”
This is a developing story. 12News will post new information here once it is received.