Sunday, authorities reported that a good Samaritan who stopped to assist an accident victim along a highway in Arizona was struck and killed by a vehicle.
The fatal crash occurred in the eastbound lanes of State Route 202 near Phoenix shortly before 4:00 a.m., when two concerned citizens had stopped to administer aid, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
At the crash site, DPS Sgt. Eric Andrews told FOX10 Phoenix, “This is an absolute tragedy.” “This is the worst-case scenario, in which someone who was completely uninvolved stops to help those in need, only to become a victim themselves.”
KNXV-TV reported that Andrews stated that another vehicle collided with the good Samaritan’s car and pushed it into one of the individuals, who later perished in the hospital.
DPS reports that the driver who struck the vehicle that prompted the good Samaritans to halt and assist was previously involved in a hit-and-run on I-17 near Durango Road.
The collision on 202 reportedly involved four vehicles.
Two additional drivers were taken to the hospital with severe injuries. According to local reports, a 5-month-old neonate was hospitalized in stable condition following the initial collision.
Troopers stated that impairment is being investigated as a potential factor, but the investigation is still ongoing.
The accident temporarily closed the lanes in the eastbound direction until later Sunday morning.