1 Dead After Wrong-Way Crash on SR-143 in Tempe

The crash resulted in one fatality and one serious injury, according to authorities.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A wrong-way driver on SR-143 in Tempe, Arizona caused a fatal head-on collision, killing one person and seriously injuring another. The crash occurred on the transition portion of the freeway from the US-60 to the SR-143 as it parallels I-10. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Why it matters

Wrong-way crashes on highways are a serious public safety concern, often resulting in devastating consequences. This incident highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent such accidents and improve road safety measures.

The details

Around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, the Arizona Department of Public Safety received reports of a wrong-way driver traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of SR-143 near Broadway in Tempe. A short time later, authorities were notified of a head-on collision involving the wrong-way vehicle. The crash resulted in one person dying and another person sustaining serious injuries. Additional details about those involved in the crash were not immediately released.

  • The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • The crash took place on the transition portion of the freeway from the US-60 to the SR-143 as it parallels I-10.

The players

Arizona Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the fatal wrong-way crash on SR-143 in Tempe.

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What’s next

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details about those involved or the circumstances leading to the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic wrong-way crash on SR-143 in Tempe highlights the need for continued efforts to improve road safety and prevent such devastating accidents, which can have devastating consequences for the community.