October 18, 2025

Interstate 10 West of Tucson Shuts Down After Foggy Crash

Buckeye, AZ, October 18, 2025

A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 near Buckeye, west of Tucson, injured five people late Friday night and left part of the highway closed. Heavy fog and speeding contributed to the pileup, which happened around 10 p.m. Emergency crews responded, airlifting two individuals to hospitals with serious injuries while others sustained moderate harm. The highway remains partially closed for repairs, prompting substantial delays for commuters heading toward Phoenix as authorities manage the ongoing cleanup efforts.

Buckeye, AZ (October 18, 2025) – Interstate 10 West of Tucson Shuts Down After Foggy Multi-Vehicle Crash

A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 near Buckeye, west of Tucson, has left part of the highway closed after injuring five people late Friday night. Heavy fog and speeding drivers are the main factors behind the pileup, which happened around 10 p.m. in heavy traffic conditions. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, pulling victims from twisted metal and providing on-site medical help. Two of the injured were airlifted to nearby hospitals with serious injuries, while the other three received treatment for moderate harm.

Response and Cleanup Efforts

Local authorities closed both westbound lanes of I-10 near milepost 129 to manage the chaos. Tow trucks worked through the night, hauling away damaged cars and trucks by early Saturday morning. Even though most vehicles are now cleared, crews must repair broken concrete barriers along the side of the road, a job expected to last several days. This ongoing work keeps one lane closed, causing major backups for morning commuters heading toward Phoenix from Tucson.

Police investigators stayed on site for hours, taking photos and talking to witnesses to piece together what went wrong. The thick fog cut visibility to just a few hundred feet, turning the busy highway into a hazard zone. Speeding in these conditions worsened the mess, as cars couldn’t stop in time. No deaths were reported, but the crash highlights the risks of driving in Arizona’s sudden weather shifts.

Impact on Traffic and Travel

Motorists traveling west on I-10 face long delays, with some stretches backed up for over 10 miles early today. Officials urge drivers to use State Route 347 as a detour, which connects I-10 to other local roads and adds about 30 minutes to trips. Real-time traffic apps show heavy congestion building from Tucson all the way to Buckeye, affecting delivery trucks, commuters, and holiday weekend plans.

Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers are patrolling the area to enforce slower speeds and remind drivers to turn on fog lights if visibility drops. This incident comes at a busy time, with weekend traffic already up due to fall events and cooler weather drawing people outdoors. Experts say such crashes often spike in October when monsoon leftovers mix with desert fog, catching drivers off guard.

Broader Context in Arizona Highways

Interstate 10 is a key artery through Arizona, stretching from California to Texas and carrying millions of vehicles each year. The Buckeye area, about 35 miles west of Tucson, sees heavy use from cross-country haulers and local traffic between major cities. Past fog-related incidents here have led to calls for more warning signs and variable speed limits, but changes move slowly due to funding and logistics.

This crash adds to a string of recent highway troubles in the state. Just days ago, a deadly wreck near Tucson claimed a mother and daughter, while flash floods in eastern Arizona continue to disrupt smaller roads. Officials are reminding everyone to check weather apps and road conditions before hitting the road, especially as the weekend kicks off. Recovery teams expect full reopening by mid-week, but travelers should plan ahead to avoid the headache.

The event underscores how quickly desert weather can turn deadly on open roads. With five people hurt and repairs dragging on, the focus stays on safety measures to prevent repeats. Drivers heeding warnings could keep the next trip smooth and accident-free.

FAQ

What caused the multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 near Buckeye?

Heavy fog and speeding drivers are the main factors behind the pileup.

How many people were injured in the crash?

Five people were injured in the crash.

What is the current status of Interstate 10 westbound near Buckeye?

Part of the highway remains partially closed after the crash, with one lane still shut for barrier repairs expected to take days.

What alternate route is advised for drivers?

Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes via State Route 347.

When did the crash occur?

The crash happened late Friday night, around 10 p.m.

Key Features of the Interstate 10 Crash

Feature	Details
Location	Near Buckeye, west of Tucson on Interstate 10
Cause	Heavy fog and speeding
Injuries	Five people injured, two airlifted
Highway Status	Partially closed; repairs taking days
Detour	State Route 347
Time of Incident	Late Friday night, around 10 p.m.