Crash on Interstate 40 leaves 2 dead near Williams: DPS

Heavy snow in the high country leads to fatal crash

A semi-truck and several other vehicles were involved in a crash that left three people dead on Interstate 40 near Williams.

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. - A multi-car crash involving tractor trailers left two people dead on March 13, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

What we know:

Per a statement released on March 14, the crash happened at around 3:27 p.m. along the westbound lanes of the I-40 west of Williams. The crash happened as a winter storm was moving through the area.

"The crash was a secondary collision caused by a jackknifed commercial motor vehicle about 1,000 feet west of the scene, blocking the right side of the roadway," read a portion of the statement. "As traffic slowed and merged into the left lane, several vehicles failed to reduce speed. This led to another commercial vehicle jackknifing and striking multiple vehicles, while others were rear-ended and pushed into or underneath commercial trucks. One of the commercial vehicles caught fire, and the flames quickly spread to all involved vehicles."

In all, DPS officials said the crash involved 13 passenger vehicles, five commercial vehicles, and five unattached trailers. Due to severe weather, traffic congestion and other ongoing incidents that were otherwise not specified, emergency response was delayed.

"The fire burned for more than 12 hours, destroying all vehicles," read a portion of the statement.

Per the statement, the two people who died in the crash were passengers in separate vehicles.

ADOT officials said the westbound lanes of the I-40 will be closed between Williams and Holbrook through Friday night.

What we don't know:

We are waiting for more information on the identity of the victims.

Local perspective:

The closure is an added burden to a heavy snowfall that blanketed the northern region of Arizona.

Roadways on State Route 89A and Interstate 17 were also closed due to the snow.

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Road closures scattered in Arizona high country due to severe snow storm, Snow Squall Warning issued

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Road closures scattered in Arizona high country due to severe snow storm, Snow Squall Warning issued

Interstate 40 is closed in several spots and a Snow Squall Warning was issued for a strong winter storm in the high country and in the Valley.

What you can do:

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and make sure they are prepared with extra clothes, battery chargers, food and water if they must take to the streets amid the snow.

For more information, travelers can visit the FOX Traffic Maps or find alerts on AZ511.com.