One dead, another seriously hurt in Tempe wrong-way crash

The incident occurred early Sunday morning on the I-10 corridor in Tempe, Arizona.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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One person was killed and another suffered serious injuries in a wrong-way crash on State Route 143 near Broadway Road in Tempe, Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The crash occurred around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday after troopers received reports of a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes.

Why it matters

Wrong-way crashes are a major public safety concern, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. This incident highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent such accidents, which can be caused by a variety of factors including impaired driving, distraction, or medical emergencies.

The details

Authorities say the crash happened on the transition portion of the freeway from U.S. 60 to SR-143. One person was killed in the head-on collision, while another person suffered serious injuries. The freeway remains closed in the area as troopers investigate the crash.

  • The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Arizona Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency that responded to and is investigating the wrong-way crash.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of driver safety and the need for continued vigilance to prevent wrong-way crashes, which can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities.