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Accident – Death – Obituary News : GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — A newly released report on a fatal crash involving a pickup truck and a group of cyclists last year near Phoenix has raised questions about the driver’s initial claims regarding the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report on Wednesday shedding new light on the tragic events that occurred on Feb. 25, 2023, on a bridge in Goodyear, Arizona.
The report indicates that the truck’s steering was fully functional when tested by a technician, contradicting the driver’s assertion that the steering had locked up prior to the crash. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Public Safety conducted its own investigation and found no issues with the steering mechanism of the vehicle.
The driver of the truck, identified as Pedro Quintana-Lujan, was initially arrested on multiple charges, including manslaughter, assault, endangerment, and causing injury or death by a moving violation. However, after further investigation requested by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, it was determined that the incident may have been an accident. As a result, felony charges were not pursued against Quintana-Lujan.
Despite the NTSB report casting doubt on the driver’s account of the events leading up to the crash, it remains unclear whether the Goodyear City Prosecutor’s Office will pursue any charges against Quintana-Lujan in light of the new information.
The tragic collision on the Cotton Lane Bridge in Goodyear resulted in the death of two bicyclists and injuries to 17 others. The impact of the crash reverberated throughout the cycling community in the area, prompting survivors to come together for a commemorative ride in honor of the victims.
“I think it will not be a start, but it will bring an end and bring an emotional closure,” said Clay Wells, a survivor of the crash who participated in the recent memorial ride in Goodyear.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the community awaits further developments to understand the full circumstances surrounding the fatal crash and its implications for the future..