The Phoenix Police Department reported that Dircio-Castrejon was driving a pickup truck when he ran a red light at a crossing and collided with a Valley Metro light rail train. The collision caused the train to derail
Phoenix, AZ – The driver who was killed when a vehicle collided with a train in central Phoenix early Tuesday morning has been identified as 28-year-old Mario Dircio-Castrejon, according to the authorities.
The incident was reported at around 5 a.m. December 30, near Central Avenue and Indian School Road.
The Phoenix Police Department reported that Dircio-Castrejon was driving a pickup truck when he ran a red light at a crossing and collided with a Valley Metro light rail train. The collision caused the train to derail.
Police and Phoenix firefighters responded to the incident and medics evaluated seven people. Dircio-Castrejon was declared deceased at the scene.
Three passengers in the truck and the operator of the train were transported with minor injuries. Two other parties did not require hospitalization.
Valley Metro officials said the accident damaged an Overhead Catenary System pole. This caused disruptions in the train services between the Thomas Road/Central Avenue station and Central Avenue/Camelback Road station.
The cause of the deadly crash is under investigation.
Phoenix is the epicenter for traffic collisions in Arizona, consistently leading the state in total crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The city, which ranks among the top 10 deadliest major U.S. cities for traffic fatalities per capita, sees an average of over 100 accidents daily. Recent data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) indicates that while statewide fatalities saw slight decreases in 2023 and 2024, the overall volume of crashes remains a serious concern. In 2024, Phoenix experienced approximately 37,472 total crashes, resulting in 265 fatal crashes and over 10,449 injuries. This makes up roughly one-third of all accidents across the state. The primary contributing factors to these incidents include speeding (a factor in about 34% of deadly crashes), distracted driving, and impairment from alcohol or drugs. Alcohol-related incidents are a particular issue, with Saturday nights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. showing the highest rates. Vulnerable road users are disproportionately affected; for example, pedestrians accounted for nearly 250 deaths in the state in 2024, a number driven by driver inattention and a failure to use crosswalks.
Speak with a Car Accident lawyer
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, visit our car accident attorney page to learn more about the legal options you have.