Authorities say a driver struck two vehicles stopped near Higley Road to deal with a flat tire early Wednesday.
MESA, AZ — A woman was killed and five people were treated for injuries after a driver struck two vehicles that had stopped along eastbound US 60 near Higley Road early Wednesday, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The crash happened about 1 a.m. Sept. 16. DPS said two vehicles were stopped on the right side of the highway while people were dealing with a flat tire when a third vehicle struck both of them. Investigators suspect impairment was a factor involving the driver of the third vehicle.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Her identity had not been publicly released in the reports available Wednesday morning. Officials also had not released the names of the other people involved.
DPS said five patients were treated for injuries following the collision. The driver suspected of impairment suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Authorities had not released additional details about the conditions of the other injured people.
The collision forced authorities to close the eastbound lanes of US 60 at Higley Road for several hours while troopers investigated and crews worked at the scene. The Arizona Department of Transportation said the closure was lifted at about 6:45 a.m.
Officials had not announced an arrest or criminal charges as of the latest available reports. DPS described impairment as a suspected factor, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remained underway.
Authorities also had not released additional information about what investigators believe happened immediately before the collision, including the speed of the third vehicle or how long the other vehicles had been stopped along the highway.
The eastbound freeway reopened Wednesday morning after the investigation and cleanup closed the roadway for several hours. DPS had not announced when additional information, including the victim’s identity or possible charges, would be released.
Author note: Last updated September 16, 2026.