Navajo Nation, AZ – A deadly crash on Route 12 in the Navajo Nation claimed the life of one person and left two others critically injured on Tuesday, January 6. The collision occurred around 12:06 p.m. near milepost 83.5, prompting a swift response from Navajo Police.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a black and blue 1990 GMC Sierra truck was traveling at high speed when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn onto its roof. The three occupants of the truck, none of whom were wearing seatbelts, were thrown into peril. One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

While the identities of those involved have not yet been disclosed, authorities noted that a container of alcoholic beverage was found outside the vehicle, raising concerns about possible impairment. Speed and alcohol are being investigated as potential contributing factors to this tragic accident.

The crash led to a lengthy closure of State Route 12, with the highway being shut down for over seven hours while authorities conducted their investigation and cleared the wreckage.

This fatal crash underscores ongoing safety concerns on Arizona’s roadways. Despite a modest reduction in traffic accidents over the past two years, traffic fatalities remain alarmingly high. In 2023, the state saw 1,307 deaths from motor vehicle crashes, a figure that continues to highlight the dangers posed by high-speed driving and impaired operation.