The crash kicked off when a semi-truck jackknifed on the icy westbound lanes, blocking traffic. Cars slowed, but some didn’t stop fast enough—another semi slammed into the mess, shoving vehicles under trailers and igniting the blaze. Two people were confirmed dead early on, but by March 23, more human remains turned up in the wreckage. The Yavapai County Medical Examiner’s Office is now working to figure out who they are, with a focus on South Korean nationals reported missing around that time.
That fire’s made it tough—everything’s charred, and identification’s slow going. They’ve got 36 people accounted for total—13 passenger cars, 16 injured hauled off to hospitals, and now these extra remains. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and AZDPS say they’re moving careful but fast as they can, knowing families are waiting. No word yet on what started it all beyond the weather, and they’re not guessing until the evidence lines up.
Interstate 40’s a main haul through northern Arizona, and this stretch near Williams took a beating—guardrails, road damage, the works. ADOT’s still checking it out. Updates are coming as they get them.
