Accident on Highway 79 Claims One Life, Injures Another

Florence, Arizona—A fatal crash on Highway 79 north of Florence resulted in the Arizona Department of Transportation closing Highway 79 in both directions between Arizona Farms Road and Highway 60 for several hours Friday shortly after noon.  

Department of Public Safety accident investigators report that a Volkswagen Jetta collided with a heavy-duty pickup truck that was hauling hay.  An as-yet unidentified passenger in the Jetta was killed.  The truck was fully-engulfed in flames when responders arrived, leading them to believe the crash may have sparked a brush fire on the east side of the highway.  

Authorities did not release information regarding the Jetta driver’s identity or condition.  Neither the truck driver’s identity nor extent of injuries was released.

We extend our condolences to the victim’s family and friends and we wish swift recoveries for the injured.