Early Tuesday morning, a five‑vehicle pileup on the southbound side of State Route 143 near the Phoenix‑Tempe border briefly halted traffic. The crash occurred just after 6 a.m. on the stretch adjacent to University Drive, a key connector for commuters traveling between the two cities.
Response and clearance
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (ADPS) dispatched troopers and emergency crews to the scene within minutes. First responders assessed the vehicles, confirmed that none of the occupants suffered life‑threatening injuries, and began clearing debris and towing the damaged cars off the freeway.
While the exact number of injured parties has not been released, ADPS officials indicated that those involved sustained only minor injuries that did not require hospitalization. The prompt medical assessment helped keep the incident from escalating into a larger emergency.
Impact on traffic
During the cleanup, the southbound lanes of SR 143 were closed, causing a temporary bottleneck for drivers heading toward downtown Phoenix. Northbound traffic continued to flow without interruption. By approximately 7:30 a.m., crews had removed the wreckage, and all lanes were reopened to normal traffic.
Motorists were advised to exercise caution when traveling the corridor, as residual debris and wet pavement could pose hazards for a short period after reopening. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) posted an update on its official Twitter account confirming that the highway was fully operational.
Safety reminder
SR 143, also known as the Hohokam Expressway, is a heavily traveled route for commuters, students, and commercial vehicles. ADPS reminds drivers to maintain safe following distances, especially during morning rush hour, and to report any accidents promptly so that emergency crews can respond quickly.
For real‑time traffic information, residents can follow the Arizona DOT’s social media channels or use the state’s traffic monitoring apps. Keeping the highways clear and safe is a shared responsibility that supports the community’s daily rhythm and the broader goal of efficient transportation across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
