Web Producer: Taylor Higgins

 

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - A vehicle rollover lead to a second crash, sending six people to the hospital and shutting down northside traffic for two hours Saturday night. 

 

Crews from the Northwest Fire District responded to a rollover accident near Orange Grove Road Saturday night, according to Adam Goldberg with Northwest Fire. 

 

Goldberg tells KGUN9 that the accident involved two vehicles and shut down two of three eastbound lanes for an hour. Three people were transported to University Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. 

 

The rollover caused a long backup of cars, which ultimately resulted in a second accident that halted traffic for another hour, Goldberg says.

 

According to Goldberg, cars approaching the Ina Road exit couldn't see that the rollover accident was causing a backup in traffic. As drivers reached the top of the overpass, they suddenly realized traffic had slowed significantly and were forced to slam on their breaks.

 

Several people didn't hit their breaks fast enough, resulting in a three-vehicle rear-end accident that further disrupted eastbound traffic at Ina and I-10, Goldberg says. 

 

Three more patients had to be transported to UMC, two with minor injuries and one in serious, but stable condition.

 

Goldberg wants to remind drivers to always wear their seatbelts to prevent major and minor injuries during a traffic accident. He also says to be attentive so as to not get distracted by conversations or texting. Finally, never drink and drive, obey the speed limit and get regular engine and tire maintenance so that your vehicle remains in good mechanical condition.