3 Critically Injured in Central Phoenix Crash

Intersection closed during rush hour after serious collision involving two pickup trucks

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:04am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a severely damaged car part, such as a crumpled fender or shattered headlight, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a serious traffic collision.A harrowing close-up of the aftermath of a serious collision in central Phoenix exposes the human toll of traffic accidents.Phoenix Today

A serious crash in central Phoenix on Thursday afternoon has left three people, including a child, in critical condition. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. near the intersection of 12th Street and Bethany Home Road, where two pickup trucks collided with heavy damage. Phoenix firefighters responded to the scene and transported the injured parties to the hospital.

Why it matters

Crashes involving multiple vehicles and critical injuries are concerning for public safety in the Phoenix metro area, which has seen an increase in traffic accidents in recent years. The closure of a busy intersection during rush hour also caused significant disruptions for commuters in the area.

The details

According to Phoenix firefighters, when they arrived on the scene they found two pickup trucks with heavy damage and multiple injured people. Three individuals, including a child, were transported to the hospital in critical condition. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Phoenix Police Department.

  • The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Phoenix Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the crash and transported the injured parties to the hospital.

Phoenix Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.

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What’s next

The Phoenix Police Department will continue their investigation to determine the cause of the crash and any potential contributing factors.

The takeaway

This serious collision serves as a reminder of the importance of driver safety and the need for continued efforts to improve traffic safety in the Phoenix metro area, especially during busy commute times.