Chain reaction collision shuts down Interstate 15 on Arizona Strip south of St. George

Written by Nick Yamashita
March 11, 2023

LITTLEFIELD/BEAVER DAM, ARIZ. — A driver not paying attention while driving caused three vehicles and a semi-trailer to collide at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, authorities said. The incident caused a temporary shutdown of Interstate 15 in the northbound lanes near mile marker 8 in Arizona.

An inattentive driver on Interstate 15 caused a chain reaction of collisions by Littlefield, Ariz., March 11, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

The incident occurred southwest of the bridge near Littlefield and Beaver Dam, Ariz. that is currently under construction.

Sgt. Franklin Luttrell of the Arizona Department of Public Safety said an adult in a white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van “was not paying attention” and collided into the back of a silver Mazda SUV where two lanes merge into one for the construction zone.

Luttrell said the force of the collision caused the silver Mazda to be pushed into the back of a red Mazda SUV and pushed them into the back of a semi-trailer truck.

“There were people hurt,” Luttrell said. “The occupants in the silver vehicle… several were injured in that and got transported to a local hospital. The subject driving the white van was also transported.”

Five passengers from two vehicles were transported to a nearby hospital in stable to critical conditions by Littlefield Fire Department ambulance.

An inattentive driver on Interstate 15 caused a chain reaction of collisions by Littlefield, Ariz., March 11, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

The collision caused the shutdown of northbound I-15 for almost two hours. After that, traffic was still congested after one lane was reopened.

Lutrell said citations have not been issued. The investigation is ongoing due to some of the witnesses needing to be interviewed.

Luttrell warned drivers to be fully focused on their surroundings and reduce speed when approaching construction work zones.

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Littlefield Fire/EMS Department and Arizona Department of Transportation also reported to the scene. This report is based on statements from police and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Yamashita has extensive experience reporting for small town media, covering a variety of subjects and events for The Virgin River Times and The Progress in Southern Nevada. Before a career in journalism, he worked a variety of jobs in criminal justice systems. Yamashita holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University. He is an award-winning photographer and writer. He has been published in scholarly articles and poetry compilations. In his spare time, he practices and teaches martial arts.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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