MESA, Ariz. — Tragedy struck early Friday morning in Mesa as one person lost their life in a fatal two-vehicle collision on the Loop 202 freeway. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), the deadly crash occurred around 3 a.m. near the Dobson Road exit in the eastbound lanes of the freeway, in the East Valley area.
Investigators say the collision involved a Tesla sedan and a Ford F-350 pickup truck. Preliminary reports indicate that the Tesla was traveling eastbound when it was rear-ended by the pickup truck under unclear circumstances. The impact of the crash was severe, leaving the Tesla driver critically injured. Despite swift emergency response efforts, the driver of the Tesla was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim pending notification of next of kin. The driver of the Ford F-350 remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, DPS officials said. It is not yet known whether impairment, speed, or distraction played a role in the collision.
The crash led to a temporary closure of several eastbound lanes on Loop 202 as DPS troopers and crash reconstruction experts worked to collect evidence and clear the roadway. The scene was reopened to traffic later in the morning after an extensive on-site investigation.
Local residents and commuters expressed sadness over the tragic news, noting that the stretch of freeway near Dobson Road has seen an increase in serious crashes in recent months.
As DPS continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the collision, they are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area around 3 a.m. to contact authorities.
This heartbreaking incident serves as another reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of caution and attentiveness while driving — especially during early morning hours when visibility and fatigue can play a major role.
The identity of the victim will be released once family members have been notified, and additional details will be provided as the investigation continues.
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