Deadly I-17 wrong-way crash: Identities of two dead released as DUI still being investigated

Phoenix, Arizona: The identities of victims of Thursday morning's fatal crash on Interstate 17 near Jefferson Street have been released. According to authorities, 23-year-old Maria Delrefugio Vazquez, of Glendale, drove in the wrong direction for approximately five miles before colliding with an oncoming vehicle. Vazquez and the passenger of the other vehicle, 29-year-old Dayana Viola Aguilar, were killed in the crash. The surviving driver is in hospital with critical injuries.

Video obtained by ABC15 shows Vazquez moments before the crash, with thermal detection cameras attempting to alert law enforcement to her wrong-way approach.

As part of their Operation Safe Roads campaign, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reiterated the need for community-wide efforts to prevent such tragedies. “This should be a societal effort,” a MADD spokesperson told ABC15, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, designating sober drivers, and educating both young and adult drivers on the severe consequences of impaired driving.

Investigators are awaiting the medical examiner’s report to determine Vazquez’s blood alcohol content and confirm if impairment was a factor. MADD will host its annual walk scheduled for Saturday at Goodyear Ballpark.