Rollover accident I-17 near the Newman Park exit Nov. 13, 2009. (APSN.us/ Chad Black)

FLAGSTAFF (NAZ Today) – A winter storm moving through Northern Arizona on Friday, November 13th brought a combination of rain, snow, and hail to the area causing a number of accidents along I-40 and I-17.  In total the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reporting that 25 collisions occurred in and around the Flagstaff area on Friday.

Some of the most significant accidents included a vehicle rollover accident along I-17 near the Neuman Park exit.  Rescue crews had to use the ‘Jaws of Life” to cut away the roof  of a van in order to free three people who were trapped inside.  Two of the patients were transported to Flagtstaff Medical Center (FMC) in critical condition.  As rescue crews were preparing to transport the third patient to the hospital steam began pouring from the engine compartment of the ambulance.  The third patient was loaded into a second ambulance and transported to FMC.  Just north of the van rollover, a truck had also rolled over on I-17.  Three people in the truck were also transported to FMC.

On Friday at approximately 10 p.m. a combination of heavy rain, snow, and hail was reported in the area between Bellemont and Parks.   Three accidents were also reported in this area along I-40.  One of the accidents involved an SUV that rolled over while traveling west-bound on I-40 near Bellemont. The other two accidents in the area were minor, with  no major injuries being reported from these accidents.

The DPS want to remind drivers to slow down during bad weather conditions.  The posted speed limit may not be a safe speed to travel during bad weather.  Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Braking and stopping distances will also be affected by wet roads and icy /slippery roadway surfaces.

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Information for this story provided by:

APSN.us

Arizona Department of Public Safety