DPS: 3 high school students dead following rollover crash on US 70 near Globe
GLOBE, Ariz. - The Department of Public Safety is investigating a crash on U.S. 70 that left three students dead.
DPS received a report of a van that had rolled over around 10 p.m. Friday along U.S. 70 at milepost 327, west of Pima.
According to a statement released Saturday, officials say an Eastern Arizona College passenger van was traveling eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane, left the roadway and rolled over. The van was driven by a man and was carrying seven local high school students and one EAC student.
Troopers say three, male high school students were ejected and died from their injuries. The driver and five other students received non-life threatening injuries.
Two of the students are 17 years old and third student is 16.
Investigators say impairment does not appear to be a factor.
The college president, Todd Haynie released a statement about the crash:
"The Eastern Arizona College (EAC) campus community mourns the tragic loss of three Gila Institute For Technology (GIFT) students and those injured in a rollover accident last night. We join the entire Gila Valley community in prayer for the families and friends of these students and send our heartfelt condolences to them.
As many in our community are aware, the three fatal victims in the collision are a 16-year-old male from Thatcher, a 16-year-old male from Ft. Thomas, and a 17-year-old male from Duncan. Because these students are minors, EAC will not release their names.
The health and welfare of our students, faculty, and staff are a priority to EAC. At this time, the cause of this incident is still under investigation and EAC is working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
We know this news is difficult to process and that it affects many members of our community. Anyone in need of immediate support is encouraged to contact EAC’s Counseling Department at (928) 651-2889. A 24-hour crisis hotline is also available at 1-866-495-6735 (TTY/TDY: 711). Additional resources will be available at area high schools.
EAC will continue to coordinate with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and local agencies and release information as it becomes available."
The van was coming from Arizona Nationals for the National Hot Rod Association in Chandler. This was the 25th year EAC faculty has taken automotive students to this event, the president adds.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.