Driver Arrested in Car Crash that Killed Phoenix Woman

A woman riding in a car traveling down a Phoenix interstate was hit and killed by multiple vehicles after being thrown from the Chevrolet Malibu she was riding in into oncoming traffic from an initial car crash.

A good Samaritan driver of another car stopped to help and was then struck by a Chevrolet Suburban. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) says that driver is stable condition.

Two other people involved suffered non life-threatening injuries. Two drivers are expected to face charges in the crash, said DPS spokesman Bart Graves.

Car Crash Victim Initially Thought to be Passenger

Initially, officials reported the deceased woman had been driving the car, but learned she was a passenger upon further investigation. Graves said the female driver of the Chevrolet Malibu lost control and slammed into a median wall. A Mercury Cougar then hit the car. The impact caused the passenger to be thrown over the wall into southbound traffic, where she was struck by several cars, the DPS said.

Others Involved in Multi-Car Accident

The woman driving the Malibu, and the driver of the Mercury all had non-life-threatening injuries, Graves said.

 33-year-old Alberto Lopez-Ruelas, the driver of the Suburban that struck the good Samaritan, initially left the scene but returned later on. According to authorities he is cooperating, but faces a felony hit-and-run charge.

 The Malibu driver faces a manslaughter charge.

DPS Advice

Graves added 

“I know it’s a very strong human emotion to render aid, but think carefully,” he said. “The urban freeway system at night is very dangerous all around.” He suggests it is best to just call 911.

If you’re involved in a car accident, you need the advice of expert car accident attorneys such as those at Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC.

Source: azfamily.com, Highway crash kills 1; driver arrested, April 5, 2014

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