Gold Canyon, AZ, October 20, 2025

A tragic multi-vehicle collision on US Highway 60 resulted in four fatalities and two serious injuries in Gold Canyon. The crash involved a semi-truck rear-ending a sedan, leading to a catastrophic fire. Investigations are focusing on driver fatigue as a potential cause, while the highway was closed for several hours causing major traffic disruptions in the area. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns on Arizona’s highways, particularly regarding commercial vehicle regulations.

Fatal Fiery Collision on US 60 Near Gold Canyon Claims Four Lives

Gold Canyon, AZ – A devastating multi-vehicle crash on US Highway 60 near Gold Canyon turned deadly Saturday evening, October 18, 2025, when a semi-truck collided with a sedan, igniting explosions that killed four people. Two others suffered serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals. The incident, which occurred around 7:45 p.m., led to the complete shutdown of the highway in both directions for several hours, causing significant traffic disruptions in the East Valley area.

Authorities from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded swiftly to the scene, where the force of the rear-end collision by the semi-truck caused both vehicles to erupt in flames. The intense fire spread quickly, complicating rescue efforts and leaving the roadway littered with wreckage. Emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish the blaze and clear debris, restoring partial traffic flow by early Sunday morning.

The four fatalities included occupants of the sedan, though specific identities and ages have not been publicly released pending family notifications. The driver of the semi-truck was among the injured, along with another individual involved in the crash. Medical teams airlifted the most critically wounded to a trauma center in Mesa, where they remain under care. No updates on their conditions were available as of Sunday afternoon.

Investigation Points to Possible Driver Fatigue

DPS investigators are zeroing in on driver fatigue as a likely contributing factor in the crash. Preliminary findings suggest the semi-truck may have been traveling at a high speed when it failed to slow down, slamming into the sedan stopped ahead due to traffic. Federal regulations require commercial drivers to adhere to strict hours-of-service limits to prevent exhaustion, and officials are reviewing the truck driver’s logs to determine compliance. Toxicology tests and vehicle data from the truck’s black box are expected to provide further insights in the coming days.

The highway’s location near Gold Canyon, a growing community east of Phoenix, sees heavy truck traffic due to its role as a key route for freight between Tucson and the Valley. This stretch of US 60 is known for occasional backups, especially during weekend evenings when recreational traffic increases. Weather conditions were clear at the time, ruling out road slickness or visibility issues as immediate causes.

Impact on Traffic and Community Response

The closure of US 60 forced drivers to seek alternate routes, including State Route 79 and local roads through Apache Junction, leading to miles-long backups. Commuters heading toward Tucson or returning from weekend outings faced delays of up to three hours. Local authorities set up detours and urged caution, with tow trucks removing the charred remains of the vehicles by dawn.

In the wake of the tragedy, road safety advocates are renewing calls for enhanced enforcement of fatigue-related rules for truckers. Arizona has seen a rise in commercial vehicle accidents in recent years, with fatigue cited in nearly 15% of fatal crashes statewide. DPS has increased patrols on major corridors like US 60 to address these concerns, but incidents like this highlight ongoing challenges in preventing such losses.

Broader Context of Highway Safety in Arizona

US 60 serves as a vital artery for commerce and travel across southern Arizona, connecting urban centers with rural areas. However, its mix of high-speed freight and passenger vehicles has led to persistent safety issues. Data from the past five years shows over 200 fatalities on this highway alone, often linked to speeding, impairment, or driver error. The Saturday crash adds to a somber tally, underscoring the need for continued infrastructure improvements, such as wider shoulders and better signage.

While the immediate focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and wrapping up the investigation, this event serves as a stark reminder of the risks on Arizona’s roads. DPS encourages all drivers, especially commercial operators, to prioritize rest and alertness to avoid similar catastrophes. As details emerge, the community near Gold Canyon grapples with the profound impact of these preventable deaths.

Key Timeline of the Incident

• 7:45 p.m., Oct. 18: Semi-truck rear-ends sedan, causing explosions and fire.
• 8:00 p.m.: DPS arrives; highway fully closed.
• Midnight: Fire extinguished; injured transported.
• 4:00 a.m., Oct. 19: Partial reopening; full clearance by 8:00 a.m.

This crash not only claimed lives but also disrupted the daily routines of thousands, prompting a collective reflection on road safety measures in the region.

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Author: HERE TUCSON