Driver killed after car crashes into central Phoenix building, bursts in flames

Driver killed in fiery crash near AZ State Capitol

A fiery crash just a few blocks south of the Arizona State Capitol late Sunday night left one person dead. FOX 10's Danielle Miller reports.

PHOENIX - A fiery crash on Sunday night south of the Arizona State Capitol left one person dead.

What we know:

The Phoenix Fire Department says crews on July 27 responded to 16th Avenue and Grant Street for reports of a car that crashed into a building at around 10 p.m.

Once at the scene, firefighters were met with heavy smoke and fire from the crash.

"The vehicle caused extensive damage to the exterior of the building making it unsafe to enter. Command went on a defensive posture for the initial fire attack. Once fire control was gained, crews were able to make access to the vehicle and found one adult that was pronounced dead at the scene," Capt. Daniel Lee said.

The driver was identified as 25-year-old Jose Valenzuela Cota. No firefighters were hurt.

Dig deeper:

Investigators say Cota was traveling westbound on Grant at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his car and crashed into the building.

What we don't know:

Phoenix Police say it's unknown if impairment was a factor in the crash, but their investigation is ongoing.

Map of where the crash happened