A pickup truck and another vehicle collided near the intersection and the truck became engulfed in flames. The circumstances under which the vehicles collided were still under investigation
Litchfield Park, AZ – The authorities have released the identity of a person who was killed in a head-on traffic crash early Sunday morning near Litchfield Park.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased party as Julia Poniatowska of Litchfield Park.
The deadly incident happened just before 1 a.m. on December 14 in the area of Camelback Road and Litchfield Road.
Authorities said a car and a pickup truck were involved in the crash. The impact caused the pickup truck to catch fire.
One of the drivers, later identified as Poniatowska, died at the scene. The second driver, identified as Brayan Velasquez-Huinac, of Phoenix, was hospitalized with unspecified injuries.
Authorities said Velasquez-Huinac was driving eastbound on Camelback Road when, for some reason, he crossed the center line and collided head-on with the other vehicle. It was not clear which driver was operating which vehicle.
Avondale police said after Velasquez-Huinac was treated and released from the hospital, he was booked into Maricopa County jail for felony manslaughter and one misdemeanor count of DUI and is being held on a $500,000 bond.
Original Story
Litchfield Park, AZ – One person was killed and another injured in an early Sunday morning collision that occurred near Litchfield Park, according to the Avondale Police Department.
Shortly before 1 a.m. December 14, emergency crews were called to the scene of a fiery collision near Camelback Road and Litchfield Road.
A pickup truck and another vehicle collided near the intersection, and the truck became engulfed in flames. The circumstances under which the vehicles collided were still under investigation.
The second vehicle sustained major damage to its driver’s side following the collision.
The Avondale Police Department and fire crews responded to the incident, and one driver was declared deceased at the scene. The other motorist was transported to a hospital in unknown condition.
The identities of the drivers involved in the incident were not immediately released.
The cause of the collision is under investigation by the Avondale Police Department.
Statewide Crash Trends:
Arizona experienced a slight decline in traffic incidents over the past two years, though crash fatalities remain high. In 2023, the state reported 122,247 total motor-vehicle crashes with 1,307 deaths, while 2024 saw a small decrease to 121,107 crashes and 1,228 fatalities, representing a 6.1% drop in deaths compared with the previous year. Despite the modest improvement, the number of serious injuries and fatalities remains near historically high levels, highlighting ongoing road safety challenges.
Speeding, impaired driving, and failure to use safety devices continue to be major contributing factors in fatal and serious crashes across the state. Emergency response efforts and public safety campaigns aim to reduce these risks, but Arizona’s highways and urban roads continue to see a significant number of severe accidents annually.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, speaking with a skilled wrongful death and car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights during this difficult time. An attorney can guide your family through the claims process, protect your interests, and pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out today for compassionate legal support and a free case evaluation.