GLENDALE, AZ – A tragic overnight crash in Glendale has left one woman dead after her vehicle slammed into two construction trucks on the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway near 67th Avenue.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), the crash happened around 1:50 a.m. Monday when the driver of a passenger car traveling westbound crossed into a marked construction zone and collided with two unoccupied vehicles parked at the site.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the woman later died from her injuries. Her identity has not yet been released, pending notification of her family.
At the scene, troopers noted a red car with catastrophic front-end damage, evidence of the violent impact. Thankfully, no road workers or other motorists were injured, as the construction trucks were unoccupied at the time.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the crash but are investigating whether speed, impairment, fatigue, or distracted driving played a role. DPS said details remain limited as troopers continue to gather evidence.
The Loop 101 was partially closed for several hours overnight as investigators documented the scene and crews worked to remove debris. Traffic flow was restored later in the morning.
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This crash adds to growing concerns about work zone safety across Arizona. Freeway construction has been ongoing in Maricopa County as part of state infrastructure upgrades, and overnight lane restrictions have become common.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that nationwide, an average of two people are killed in work zone crashes every day. In Arizona, DPS and ADOT have launched multiple safety campaigns reminding drivers to “slow down, stay alert, and give workers room.”
Construction crews are especially vulnerable during overnight hours when visibility is reduced, and sudden lane shifts or blocked shoulders can catch drivers off guard.
Neighbors and commuters in the Glendale area expressed condolences after learning of the fatal crash. “It’s heartbreaking,” said one nearby resident who frequently drives the Loop 101. “We see those cones and signs every night, and it’s a reminder that we all need to be more careful.”
The DPS investigation is ongoing, and toxicology reports will help determine whether impairment was a factor. Officials emphasized that more details, including the victim’s name, will be released once her family has been notified.
The fatal crash serves as a reminder of the importance of cautious driving in construction zones, especially late at night when workers and drivers alike are at heightened risk.
Originally reported by Mitchell Koch in AZ Family.
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