FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A fatal rollover crash shut down northbound lanes of Interstate 17 for several hours late Saturday night near Munds Park, as winter weather created dangerous driving conditions. According to authorities, shortly before midnight, Flagstaff Regional 911 received multiple calls reporting a single-vehicle rollover along the northbound lanes at milepost 322. Just afew hours before, the National Weather Service advised that a band of heavy snow was moving through the area, creating slick road conditions and limited visibility.
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputies were the first to arrive on scene and located the driver a short distance away from the overturned vehicle. Deputies determined the driver had been ejected during the crash and suffered severe head trauma. Life-saving measures were initiated, but the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers and EMS personnel arrived shortly after to assist. While radio traffic indicated a second vehicle may have been involved, no injuries were reported from that vehicle, which was located farther from the primary crash scene.
Northbound Interstate 17 was completely shut down for several hours as investigators worked the scene and crews conducted cleanup operations. As of Sunday morning, all lanes have reopened.
The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Authorities are reminding motorists to slow down and use extreme caution during winter weather, especially during overnight hours when visibility and road conditions can rapidly deteriorate.
