Staff Reports
GRAHAM COUNTY – A harrowing crash on U.S. Highway 70 westbound near milepost 335 left one driver with serious injuries yesterday afternoon, highlighting the ongoing risks as harvest season draws to a close in the Gila Valley. The incident, which occurred around 3:33 p.m. on Wednesday, involved a farm tractor and a passenger vehicle, according to initial reports from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Emergency responders were dispatched to the intersection of West U.S. Highway 70 and West Palmer Lane following a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries. Dispatch logs indicate the collision quickly escalated concerns, with one male victim described as breathing but unresponsive and bleeding from the face. Eastbound lanes were temporarily blocked, causing backups and prompting advisories for drivers to slow down on Palmer Lane, while westbound traffic remained open.
The lone occupant of the passenger vehicle sustained significant injuries and was airlifted to a medical center in Tucson for advanced treatment.. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which appears to have involved a head-on or sideswipe maneuver typical of rural roadways shared by heavy farm equipment and commuter traffic. No other vehicles were reported involved, despite early radio chatter mentioning a possible semi-truck.
This collision serves as a stark reminder that Arizona’s roadways remain a shared space between everyday drivers and the vital machinery of agriculture, especially as cotton harvesting wraps up across the state. Local growers are actively transporting freshly picked cotton to nearby gins for processing, keeping tractors, trailers, and wide-load haulers on the move.
Arizona’s cotton legacy and roadway realities
Arizona’s cotton industry is a cornerstone of the local economy, producing high-quality fiber that supports jobs from farm to factory. Did you know? The state boasts several active cotton gins statewide, including two right here in Graham County: the Safford Valley Cotton Growers facility in Safford and the Glenbar Gin near Pima. These operations are buzzing as the harvest season—peak from late summer through fall—winds down, but the post-pickup transport phase means farm vehicles are still a common sight on highways like U.S. 70.
“Our farmers are hard at work bringing in the harvest that fuels our local economy,” said a representative from the Graham County Farm Bureau in a recent statement. “But sharing the road safely is everyone’s responsibility.”
Safety First: Tips to navigate harvest hazards
With shorter days and cooler temperatures settling in, visibility challenges compound the risks. Emergency officials urge drivers to stay vigilant, particularly at dawn and dusk when farm equipment is often on the move. Here are key reminders to help keep everyone safe this harvest season:
- Slow down around farm machinery: Tractors and trailers travel much slower than standard traffic—often under 25 mph. Approaching too quickly can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Give extra space for wide loads: Oversized equipment like cotton modules or balers extend far beyond lane lines. Maintain at least 10-15 feet of clearance to avoid clipping hazards.
- Pass only when it’s safe: Use turnouts if available, and never pass on blind curves, hills, or in no-passing zones. Double-check for oncoming traffic and farm signals.
- Stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk: Dust from fields, low light, and fatigue can impair judgment. Minimize distractions, obey speed limits, and scan for slow-moving vehicle triangles.
By heeding these guidelines, we can honor the hardworking farmers who sustain our communities while preventing tragedies like yesterday’s crash. As investigations continue, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office encourages witnesses to come forward with any dashcam footage or details by calling (928) 428-1100.
Drive safe, Arizona — our roads are for everyone.
