Five people killed in five-vehicle crash on I-10 near Chandler, Arizona

Modified Date: 
Mon, 01/20/2025 - 10:41am
Accident Date: 
Thursday, January 12, 2023

Briefs: DPS: 3 dead after a multi-vehicle freeway crash near Phoenix

DPS said a big rig crashed into a passenger car that was pushed into another semi-truck and two other vehicles. Two people inside the car died at the scene and the third victim was inside another vehicle, DPS said.

Briefs: 5 dead after a multi-vehicle freeway crash near Phoenix

DPS spokesman Bart Graves said speed was a factor in the crash along with inattention on the part of the big rig driver.

DPS: Distracted semi-truck driver caused fiery crash that killed 5 on I-10 in Chandler

As traffic was congested because of a crash that happened hours before, DPS says the driver of a semi hauling garbage didn’t slow down and slammed into two passenger cars, pushing them into another semi-truck and two other cars. The two cars that were crushed between the semi-trucks burst into flames, killing five.

'I'm so glad you found the light': Valley family mourns loved one killed in fiery I-10 crash

The family is left dealing with the nightmare, trying to find a way to fill the hole he left behind.

Semi-truck driver was on TikTok when he caused crash that killed 5 on I-10 near Chandler, DPS says

A distracted semi-truck driver was using TikTok when he caused a fiery crash on Interstate 10 near Chandler earlier this year, killing five and is now facing charges, the Department of Public Safety said. 

Deadly Six-Vehicle Crash on I-10 Near Phoenix Claims Five Lives, Driver Arrested for TikTok Use

A catastrophic multi-vehicle collision on January 12, 2024, resulted in five fatalities when a tractor-trailer driven by 36-year-old Danny Tiner crashed into stopped traffic on eastbound Interstate 10 near Chandler Boulevard. The incident occurred at 6:14 a.m. at the Phoenix-Chandler border, involving six vehicles including two commercial trucks. Following a six-month investigation, Tiner was arrested on June 29 after authorities discovered he was actively using TikTok while driving 68 mph in a 55 mph construction zone. The collision happened amid traffic backup from an earlier semi-truck fire at Wild Horse Pass Boulevard and a subsequent crash at Elliot Road. Tiner faces multiple charges including five counts of manslaughter, four counts of endangerment, and one count of tampering with physical evidence, with bond set at $300,000.

Location and Infrastructure - The crash site on I-10 near Chandler Boulevard represents a crucial junction in the Phoenix metropolitan area's transportation network. This heavily trafficked stretch serves as a major east-west corridor for both commercial and passenger vehicles. The presence of ongoing construction work at the time of the accident had resulted in reduced speed limits and modified traffic patterns. The area experiences significant morning rush-hour congestion, particularly when impacted by incidents on connecting routes like Wild Horse Pass Boulevard and Elliot Road. Multiple digital message boards and construction zone signage typically alert drivers to changing conditions in this corridor.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Arizona's distracted driving laws explicitly prohibit the use of mobile devices while operating a vehicle. In commercial vehicle cases involving fatalities, both the driver and trucking company may face significant liability under federal and state regulations. Victims' families typically have two years from the date of the accident to file wrongful death claims in Arizona. Compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering damages. Commercial vehicle insurance policies often carry higher liability limits than personal policies, reflecting the increased risk potential. Multiple parties may share liability, including the trucking company, if proper safety protocols weren't followed. A Chandler personal injury attorney will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

  • Phoenix Police Department: (602) 262-6151
  • Arizona Department of Public Safety: (602) 223-2000
  • Arizona Department of Transportation Construction Info: 511
  • Maricopa County Attorney's Office Victim Services: (602) 506-8522
  • Arizona Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance

People Involved: 
Andrew Standifird
Gilberto Franco
Ryan Gooding
Willis Thompson
Jerardo Vazquez
Danny G. Tiner
Roadway: 
I-10