News Summary
A serious accident involving a light rail and a semi-truck occurred in Phoenix, injuring the truck driver while all rail passengers were unharmed. The incident resulted in large flames and smoke, disrupting local traffic and prompting an extensive emergency response. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision and reviewing safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
Phoenix – A fiery collision involving a light rail and a semi-truck occurred on Sunday, September 14, 2025, around 7:15 p.m. near the intersection of 18th and Washington streets, just east of downtown Phoenix. The incident prompted a major response from local authorities as both vehicles quickly became engulfed in flames, significantly disrupting traffic in the area.
At the time of the crash, there were approximately 20-25 passengers on the light rail, all of whom were able to exit safely. The semi-truck driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported among the light rail passengers or its employees. Emergency services acted promptly, managing to contain the fire and preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.
The collision caused flames to erupt to a height of at least 30 feet, resulting in substantial smoke that filled the area. The impact also damaged the light rail’s power system, which led to a de-energization of the rail line, complicating the situation further. In response, Valley Metro announced potential delays for light rail riders as services were interrupted. Washington Street, between 16th and 20th streets, was closed on Monday morning for cleanup and repairs.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, as authorities are working to gather more information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. Traffic in the area has been significantly impacted, with both the intersection and surrounding streets being closed off while crews clear the wreckage.
According to preliminary reports, witnesses saw the semi-truck and light rail collide before an explosion of flames erupted from both vehicles. Shortly after the crash, fire crews arrived on the scene and commenced firefighting efforts. Their quick actions were essential in limiting damage and ensuring safety for both responders and nearby residents.
This incident raises concerns over safety protocols and emergency preparedness for both light rail services and road traffic involving large vehicles. Public transportation authorities are likely to review this incident as part of their ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and drivers alike.
Light rail services typically operate as vital transit options within urban environments, facilitating smoother traffic flow and providing accessible travel for local commuters. However, the incident underscores the potential dangers that can arise from vehicle collisions at intersections where public transportation operates. As investigations continue, authorities will focus on determining how this incident occurred and what measures can be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As of now, Valley Metro is working diligently to restore normal operations and clear the affected routes, while local law enforcement is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. Stay tuned as more information develops regarding this significant incident in Central Phoenix.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fiery Collision Between Tractor Trailer and Light Rail in Downtown Phoenix
Fatal Multivehicle Collision on Interstate 17 in Phoenix
Traffic Disruptions on I-25 in Denver Due to Overturned Shuttle Buggy
Early Morning Fire Displaces Residents in West Phoenix
Vehicle Fire Closes US 60 Near Wickenburg
Hikers Rescued from South Mountain Amid Extreme Heat
Nashville to Begin Construction on Music City Loop Tunnel
Loop 101 Southbound Lanes Closure for Improvement Work
Construction Begins on Oceanside Transit Center Pedestrian Crossing Extension
Traffic Disruptions in Phoenix Following Multiple Crashes
Additional Resources
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Public transportation
- AZ Family
- Google Search: light rail safety
- KTAR News
- Google Scholar: public transportation safety
- ABC 15
- Encyclopedia Britannica: light rail transport
- 12 News
- Google News: Phoenix rail incident
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
