Fatal crash of 6 semi trucks might have been caused by…dust?
Imagine you’re cruising down Interstate 10 near Tonopah, Arizona, when suddenly, the sky darkens. A wall of dust engulfs the highway, and visibility drops to zero. Out of nowhere, the hulking silhouette of a semi-truck looms ahead. You slam on the brakes, but is it too late?
For at least four people on March 1, 2025, it was. A deadly chain-reaction crash involving six semi-trucks, four passenger vehicles, a van, and an RV claimed four lives and left two others in critical condition. “Numerous vehicles caught fire following the collision,” the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) confirmed. Investigators are now looking into whether blowing dust played a major role in the crash.
Dust storms, or “haboobs,” are sudden, intense dust events that can reduce visibility to near zero in seconds. The National Weather Service had issued multiple dust storm warnings for the area before the wreck. A George Mason University study found that windblown dust events cause more traffic fatalities than hurricanes and winter storms. This includes haboobs and dust devils. But because these events are highly localized, they don’t get nearly the same level of attention or warnings as other storms.
The Driving Blind report, a study on weather-related crash data, found that reduced visibility is one of the deadliest road hazards. It showed that dust storms contribute to an alarming number of fatal crashes in the Southwest, particularly along major highways like I-10. Texas and Arizona rank among the worst states for dust storm-related crashes, with fatalities often coming in multi-vehicle pileups just like this one.
The Houston Chronicle recently reported on another massive dust storm that left drivers stranded across Texas and New Mexico. Experts say these events are becoming more frequent due to climate shifts and prolonged droughts, making them an increasing danger for drivers in dry regions.
How to survive a dust storm on the highway
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), dust storms don’t just make it impossible to see; they also reduce road traction, making it harder to stop. “If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back, and to the side) and begin slowing down,” ADOT advises. They emphasize, “Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway—do it as soon as possible.”
If pulling over safely, ADOT recommends turning off all vehicle lights. This prevents other drivers from mistaking your car as a guide and accidentally crashing into you. “Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake,” ADOT warns. Leaving your foot on the pedal could make your brake lights visible, confusing other drivers into thinking the road continues ahead.
The bottom line? Dust storms kill. If you see a storm approaching, don’t try to outrun it—pull aside, stay alive. Turn off your lights, set your emergency brake, and wait it out. No trip is worth your life.
