Phoenix light rail collision disrupts Valley Metro service

PHOENIX — Phoenix light rail collision early Tuesday between a pickup truck and a Valley Metro light rail vehicle left four people on the train hospitalized and killed the truck driver, as reported by Trains.com. Two people aboard the train were reported in critical condition.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Valley Metro light rail crash in Phoenix: what happened

KTAR Radio said the crash happened at about 5 a.m. Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2025) at the intersection of Central Avenue and Indian School Road. First responders evaluated seven people at the scene. The report said three of those hospitalized were passengers, along with the train operator.

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KSAZ-TV identified the man who died as 28-year-old Mario Dircio-Castrejon. The station cited a Phoenix police statement saying preliminary information indicates Dircio-Castregon failed to stop for a red light and collided with the train, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.

Bus bridge and service disruption after the crash

Valley Metro continues operating a bus bridge around the accident scene while crews work through the damage. In a Valley Metro rider alert, the agency said the crash caused extensive infrastructure damage and that a catenary pole replacement is required before rail service can resume.

How long will Phoenix light rail service be disrupted?

Valley Metro said disruptions are expected to continue into Wednesday night. The agency added that the shutdown may also affect New Year’s Eve service.

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