Multiple fatalities in Interstate 8 rollover

UPDATE - Three people killed in the rollover of a shuttle van Sunday night near Gila Bend were all from Mexico, the Department of Public Safety said.

The DPS said a 1999 Ford van operated by Superior Shuttle and registered to JAAFCA Inc. of Mesa rolled over on Interstate 8 near Milepost 84 about 7:30 p.m.

Thirteen people were in the westbound van when it went out of control and rolled over on the right shoulder, the DPS said, and several several were transported by helicopter to trauma centers in the Phoenix area.

Killed in the accident was Raul Amavisca, 27, of Mexico, the DPS said. The names of two others killed in the accident were not immediately released pending notification of next of kin, but the DPS said they were also from Mexico.

The driver and only one passenger in the 16-passenger van were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident, DPS said.

None of the accident victims were children, the DPS said.

Investigation of the cause of the accident is still ongoing, DPS said.

---
William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.