PHOENIX — A fiery crash near 7th Street and Carefree Highway more than a week ago sent at least six people to the hospital and burned two vehicles. Authorities say no one was killed, but several victims remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
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At least four of the victims from this wreck remain in the hospital with serious burn injuries.
The crash happened Saturday evening when a blue sedan and a pickup truck collided, igniting both vehicles. According to family members, five people were riding in the pickup truck on their way home from dinner when the crash occurred.
Jeffrey Johnson said he received a devastating phone call informing him that several relatives had been involved in the collision.
He told 12News his mother, Karen, along with his aunt, uncle, cousin and a family friend, all suffered injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
“I think they went out to eat. I’m not sure exactly where they ate at, but they were just heading home after they ate, and they were almost there too,” Johnson said. “They’re just a few miles from home at that point.”
Investigators are reportedly looking into whether impairment played a role in the crash involving the driver of the sedan.
Johnson credited Good Samaritans at the scene with helping save his family members’ lives.
“They were in the car for a while,” he said. “Luckily, those people were able to roll the truck back on its side and back on its wheels and get them out. We thank the Lord that they were there to help them.”
One of Johnson’s cousins has since been released from the hospital after suffering second-degree burns and a shattered heel. His aunt and uncle remain in intensive care.
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As for his mother, Karen, Johnson said her condition is improving.
“She’s doing better, so she’s talking off the incubator and stuff, so that’s good,” he said. “She’s making progress.”
Despite the trauma, Johnson said he remains grateful for the bystanders who stopped to help.
“Well, if those people hadn’t been there, then they wouldn’t be here,” he said. “The circumstances of it, and where and when and how it happened, it’s a tragic event, but it was amazing, a miracle inside that tragic event.”
Authorities have not yet released additional information about the other driver, including possible charges or whether that person also remains hospitalized.
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