Buckeye, January 21, 2026
A tragic traffic collision on eastbound I-10 near Buckeye, Arizona, resulted in the death of a 24-year-old woman and significant traffic disruptions. The incident involved two vehicles and led to the closure of all eastbound lanes near Verrado Way, with responders arriving shortly after the crash. Traffic was severely backed up as motorists were advised to seek alternate routes while investigations continued.
BUCKEYE
Fatal Crash Closes Eastbound I-10 Near Buckeye, Claims One Life
A fatal traffic collision occurred on eastbound Interstate 10 near Buckeye, Arizona, on Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026, leading to significant traffic disruptions and the death of one individual. The incident, involving two vehicles, was reported near Verrado Way, resulting in the temporary closure of the eastbound lanes of the freeway. A 24-year-old woman from Tonopah died at the hospital following the crash.
Incident Details and Emergency Response
Authorities were alerted to the crash around 6:45 a.m. MST on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, when Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers responded to the scene on eastbound I-10 near Verrado Way. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) subsequently reported the full closure of all eastbound lanes at Verrado Way around 7:30 a.m..
The collision reportedly involved a 24-year-old woman crashing into the rear-end of a work truck. Footage from the scene showed one of the involved vehicles with significant front-end damage. Emergency crews transported one person to a hospital, where at least one fatality was later confirmed.
The closure created substantial traffic backups, with brake lights extending back towards Miller Road. Commuters attempting to travel eastbound from the West Valley towards Phoenix faced extended delays. Officials initially did not provide an estimated time for reopening the freeway, and investigation and cleanup efforts were ongoing throughout Tuesday morning. Drivers were advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. Real-time traffic conditions and detour information were available through ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information system.
Community Impact and Traffic Advisories
The temporary shutdown of a major artery like Interstate 10 profoundly impacts daily commutes and local commerce in Maricopa County, a key corridor connecting the West Valley to the greater Phoenix metro area. Such incidents underscore the importance of driver vigilance, especially during peak travel times. Motorists are consistently urged to plan for extra travel time and monitor updates on road conditions before beginning their journeys.
Persistent Traffic Challenges on I-10
The I-10 corridor through Buckeye has unfortunately been the site of multiple serious traffic incidents over recent periods, highlighting ongoing safety concerns along this busy stretch of highway. For instance, in October 2025, there was another multi-car crash on I-10 in Buckeye which also led to reported injuries and lane reopenings. Earlier, in September 2025, officials investigated multiple deadly crashes on I-10 in the Valley, including two near Buckeye, one of which involved two semi-trucks, resulting in one death and two injuries, while another single-vehicle rollover crash resulted in one fatality and four critical injuries. These previous incidents, while not directly related to the Tuesday, January 20, 2026, event, collectively paint a picture of a highway section that frequently experiences significant traffic incidents. The Arizona Department of Transportation provides resources such as az511.gov and the AZ511 mobile app for travelers to stay informed about road conditions and potential delays across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did the fatal crash on I-10 near Buckeye occur?
A: The fatal crash occurred on Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026.
Q: Where exactly did the crash take place?
A: The crash took place on eastbound Interstate 10 near Buckeye, specifically near Verrado Way.
Q: How many fatalities were reported in this crash?
A: At least one fatality was reported, with a 24-year-old woman from Tonopah dying at the hospital.
Q: Which lanes of I-10 were affected by the crash?
A: All eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 near Verrado Way were temporarily closed due to the crash.
Q: What time did authorities respond to the scene?
A: Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers responded to the reported crash around 6:45 a.m. MST.
Q: Were there significant traffic delays?
A: Yes, eastbound Interstate 10 near Buckeye was backed up due to the fatal traffic collision on Tuesday morning, with traffic extending back to Miller Road.
Key Features of the I-10 Buckeye Fatal Crash
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | Local |
| Location | Eastbound Interstate 10 near Verrado Way, Buckeye, Arizona | Local |
| Time of Report (DPS) | Approximately 6:45 a.m. MST | Local |
| Number of Fatalities | At least one (24-year-old woman from Tonopah) | Local |
| Vehicles Involved | Two-vehicle collision (reportedly involving a work truck) | Local |
| Road Closure | All eastbound lanes of I-10 near Verrado Way temporarily closed | State-level |
| Traffic Impact | Significant backups, delays extending to Miller Road | Local |
| Responding Agencies | Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) | State-level |
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