Car & Light Rail Crash Injures 3 in Phoenix

Collision at Central and Highland avenues leads to 25-minute delays on light rail line

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:08pm

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A collision between a passenger car and a Phoenix light rail train injured three people Friday afternoon, according to police. The crash occurred just after noon at the intersection of Central and Highland avenues in Phoenix, and emergency crews transported two train passengers and the car's driver to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Why it matters

Collisions between light rail systems and other vehicles underscore the importance of vigilance at rail crossings. Investigations will likely focus on factors such as signal visibility, driver awareness, and potential mechanical issues to determine the sequence of events and prevent future incidents.

The details

Officers responded to reports of the incident, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. It is currently unknown if impairment was a factor. Valley Metro has advised passengers to expect delays of approximately 25 minutes on the light rail line as a result of the incident.

  • The crash occurred just after noon on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Phoenix Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the crash.

Valley Metro

The regional public transportation agency that operates the light rail system in Phoenix.

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What’s next

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and further information will be released as it becomes available.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for increased safety measures and public awareness around light rail crossings in Phoenix to prevent similar collisions in the future and ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers.