Phoenix crash on Interstate 10 kills 2, injures 7

A rollover crash on Interstate 10 Sunday afternoon killed two, injured seven and closed the westbound lanes of the freeway at State Route 51, officials said.

As of 7 p.m., the right two lanes were open to traffic, Arizona Department of Transportation officials said. DPS said it expects all lanes to be open by 10 p.m.

At about 3 p.m, a Chevrolet Tahoe was driving eastbound on Interstate 10 when the left rear tire tread separated. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which crossed the median through the cable barriers before rolling over and coming to rest in the westbound lane facing oncoming traffic, according to the Department of Public Safety.

There were nine people riding in the vehicle. Five people were ejected. A man and a woman died at the scene; a westbound minivan struck one of them. Three other adults were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and the driver had non-life-threatening injuries.

A 7-year-old boy was transported to a hospital in serious condition, and two small children had minor injuries.

DPS officials were unsure how many of the passengers were wearing seat belts.

Officials said drivers should expect long delays and avoid the area, especially after the Diamondback's game ends and sends more traffic onto area roads.

The carpool and left lanes are also blocked on I-10 eastbound because of the collision.

Traffic approaching the area will be detoured to northbound State Route 51, Arizona Department of Transportation officials said.

Drivers are urged to use alternate routes. Motorists on I-10 should consider using Interstate 17 to avoid the crash, ADOT officials said. Westbound Loop 202 and southbound SR 51 drivers will not be able to access westbound I-10 due to the crash.