Interstate 17 reopens after fatal rollover crash near Loop 303 in Phoenix

PHOENIX - Southbound Interstate 17 was reopened on Thursday after a fatal rollover crash caused a closure near the Loop 303 junction in north Phoenix.

Authorities said the crash turned fatal shortly before 3:00 p.m. on March 28. The highway reopened just before 5:00 p.m.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, a vehicle struck the center barrier causing it to rollover and spread debris to multiple lanes.

"The vehicle was traveling southbound and for an unknown reason, the lone driver lost control of the vehicle and struck the concrete median wall and light pole. The vehicle then overturned and came to rest on its roof blocking both lanes #2 and #3," stated Bart Graves of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Traffic was directed to the off-ramp at Loop 303 and Sonoran Desert Drive during the closure.

The northbound lanes of I-17 remained open throughout the incident.

Two people were inside the vehicle and one was killed. 

"The driver, Miraslav Jovanovic, 60, of Anthem, suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced deceased at the hospital," said Graves.

The name of the other person in the vehicle was not released.

Loop 303 traffic backup near Interstate 17 on March 28, 2024 (Credit: ADOT)

Map of where the crash happened: