PHOENIX — A collision between a pickup truck and Valley Metro light rail vehicle has killed the driver of the truck and critically injured two people aboard the train. Four people aboard the train were hospitalized.
The accident occurred about 5 a.m. Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2025) at the intersection of Central Avenue and Indian School Road, KTAR Radio reports. Seven people were evaluated at the scene by first responders; three of the hospitalized were passengers and one was the train operator. Early reports said two were critically injured.
KSAZ-TV reports the man killed was identified as 28-year-old Mario Dircio-Castrejon. The station quotes a statement from Phoenix police saying preliminary information indicates Dircio-Castregon failed to stop for a red light and collided with the train.
Valley Metro continues to operate a bus bridge around the accident scene. The agency said in a statement that the collision led to extensive infrastructure damage; a catenary pole must be replaced before service can resume. Service disruptions are expected to continue into Wednesday night and may affect New Year’s Eve service.
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