UTV flips in Peoria desert: 1 in critical condition, 2 others injured

PEORIA, Ariz. - A 69-year-old man is in critical condition after a UTV crash in the West Valley. 

Peoria Police say three people were riding in the UTV when it flipped backwards multiple times.

Two other passengers were injured in the accident.

"You shouldn't go fast on those because they're extremely dangerous and obviously, wear your protective gear," said Sgt. Shelly Montes of the Peoria Police Department. 

It happened west of Dove Valley Road near 163rd Avenue.

"I understand as they were trying to go over a hill. So knowing your capabilities as a driver is most important," Montes said. 

Sky Fox captured the wreck, showing parts of the blue UTV detached from the rest of the vehicle. 

The roof was smashed inwards and the UTV came to rest on its side with two wheels in the air.

The rural terrain made it hard for the victims to contact emergency services for help. A call to Peoria PD came around noon on Jan. 14. 

"Make sure you have a point of contact. They know where you're at, where your routes are going to be in the area you're going to be riding," she said. 

"Out in the desert like that, it's hard to get signals. So oftentimes it's hard to get emergency services to you." 

They were able to helicopter the victims to a local hospital. 

The other two passengers in the UTV suffered minor injuries.