Phoenix crash sends semi truck dangling over I-10 overpass after suspected brake failure on University Drive, snarling morning traffic across Maricopa County

A multi-vehicle crash involving commercial trucks occurred around 7 a.m. Tuesday on the I-10 overpass at University Drive in Phoenix, leaving a concrete pump truck partially dangling over the edge and snarling morning traffic across Maricopa County. Officials said preliminary reports and witness accounts indicated the crash may have been caused by brake failure on one of the trucks, though the investigation was ongoing.

The crash involved at least three vehicles, including two large commercial trucks and a pickup truck, according to Phoenix police and local news reports. One of the trucks, identified as a concrete pump truck, was left partially dangling over the westbound edge of the University Drive overpass, creating a hazardous recovery situation, ABC15 reported. Another semi truck carrying ceramic floor tiles rolled over and struck a traffic light pole, causing additional damage and complicating cleanup efforts, FOX 10 Phoenix said. The pickup truck sustained front-end damage but was not reported to have rolled over or caused significant obstruction.

ABC15 quoted witness Dustin Foote, who said he heard a truck “lost their brakes” and ran through a red light before colliding with another vehicle.

Authorities responded promptly to the scene, with Phoenix police and fire crews blocking the entire intersection at University Drive and I-10 to facilitate emergency operations. The westbound off-ramp from I-10 to University Drive was closed, though the interstate itself remained open, according to ABC15 and FOX 10. Traffic signal equipment damaged in the crash had to be removed and reinstalled, extending the duration of the closure and contributing to significant traffic delays during the morning commute across Maricopa County. Drivers were advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes such as Broadway Road to 40th Street, according to ABC15.

Preliminary information from police and eyewitnesses suggested brake failure as a possible cause of the crash. FOX 10 reported that officers at the scene indicated brake issues might have contributed to the incident. However, officials emphasized that the investigation was ongoing, and no definitive cause had been established at the time of reporting. Police and fire personnel continued to investigate the crash and assess whether any hazardous materials had spilled from the involved vehicles, as reported by AZFamily.

Phoenix police confirmed that no serious injuries were reported in connection with the crash. FOX 10 cited officers stating that no one was hurt, while ABC15 noted that no fatalities had been reported. AZFamily indicated that it was unclear whether any injuries had been documented early in the response, but subsequent reports confirmed the absence of serious harm. Firefighters also checked for potential liquid spills that could pose environmental or safety risks, according to AZFamily.

Video footage from the scene showed debris scattered across the intersection, with materials from the trucks and damaged infrastructure contributing to the hazardous conditions. The presence of a vehicle hanging over the overpass edge required specialized recovery efforts to safely remove it without further incident, according to ABC15 and FOX 10. Cleanup and towing operations were underway throughout the morning, with crews working to clear the roadway and restore traffic signal functionality.

The crash occurred on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, during peak commuting hours, causing significant traffic disruptions across the area. Authorities urged motorists to remain cautious and follow detours while the investigation and recovery continued. The incident highlighted the critical importance of vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspections, particularly for commercial trucks, as noted by witnesses and officials cited by ABC15.

Officials have not released further details about the drivers involved or the status of any citations or charges related to the crash. The investigation remains active, with authorities gathering evidence and reviewing vehicle conditions to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the collision. Traffic signal repairs and roadway clearance are expected to continue until the scene is fully restored to normal conditions.