US, Phoenix: Phoenix South Mountain Loop 202 EV Car Hauler Fire.

Phoenix, United States - May 16, 2026 05/15/2026 11:40 pm GMT-0700 PHOENIX, Ariz. – Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers and Phoenix fire crews responded to reports of a semi truck car hauler fire on the southbound South Mountain Loop 202 near Buckeye Road. According to initial unconfirmed information gathered at the scene, the fire started in the rear of the car hauler and spread to multiple vehicles, including one electric vehicle. Crews were faced with hazardous conditions as the fire violently reacted with the lithium ion battery inside the affected electric vehicle. Multiple Phoenix fire engines, including a water tanker, were dispatched to assist with firefighting operations. A full closure was established for the southbound lanes during the initial fire attack due to the severity of the blaze. The closure was later lifted and traffic was funneled through the scene in the HOV and number 1 lane. Crews remained at the scene for several hours extinguishing hot spots. No injuries were reported.