The Tucson community is grieving the tragic loss of 56-year-old Manuel Encinas and his son, 35-year-old Juan Encinas, who both lost their lives in a devastating crash on Interstate 19 near Pima Mine Road on Wednesday.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the accident occurred around noon when a tire on the pickup truck driven by Juan blew out, causing the vehicle to veer into the median. The truck overturned and came to rest upside down on the hood of a southbound KIA SUV. Both Manuel and Juan were ejected from the vehicle and did not survive the crash.
Four occupants inside the KIA were transported to Banner University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released. Crews from the Santa Rita Fire District reported that a total of four vehicles were involved in the incident, which forced the closure of southbound I-19 for several hours.
Tragically, about 45 minutes after the initial crash, a secondary two-vehicle collision occurred in the northbound lanes near the same location, sending both drivers to the hospital with injuries that remain under review. Authorities believe the second crash may have been related to traffic slowing in the area of the fatal rollover.
Manuel and Juan Encinas leave behind a heartbroken family and community. Their bond as father and son, as well as the love and memories they shared, will forever be remembered by those who knew them best.
May their souls rest in peace, and may their family and loved ones find strength in this time of unimaginable loss.
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