Lower Buckeye Road in west Phoenix shut after pickup collides with Valley Metro bus early Monday

Crash closes a key corridor near 51st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road

A stretch of Lower Buckeye Road in west Phoenix was closed in both directions early Monday, January 26, 2026, after a crash involving a Valley Metro bus and a pickup truck near 51st Avenue. The collision was reported around 4 a.m., prompting a significant traffic shutdown while police and crews worked the scene.

Roadway closures extended along Lower Buckeye Road from 45th Avenue to 50th Avenue, affecting an industrial area that feeds commuter and commercial traffic toward Interstate 10. Officials did not provide an estimated time for reopening as the investigation continued Monday morning.

Injuries reported; bus was not carrying passengers

The driver of the pickup truck was transported to a hospital in serious condition. The bus driver was not injured, and authorities said the bus was not carrying passengers at the time of the crash.

At the scene, damage was visible to the front end of the pickup truck and along the side of the bus, indicating a forceful impact. Investigators had not released details on what led to the collision, including whether speed, impairment, or a traffic-signal violation may have been factors.

Traffic impacts and what drivers should expect

The closure created early-morning detours in the area as officers diverted vehicles away from Lower Buckeye Road. Drivers were advised to plan for delays and use alternate east-west routes until the road reopened.

• Closure area: Lower Buckeye Road, between 45th Avenue and 50th Avenue
• Nearby intersection: 51st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road
• Time of crash: approximately 4 a.m., Monday, January 26, 2026

Investigation ongoing

Police said the crash remains under investigation. As is typical in serious-injury collisions, investigators may assess vehicle positions, roadway evidence, visibility conditions, and any available surveillance or onboard camera footage to determine how the crash occurred and whether any violations contributed.

Authorities have not released a timeline for when Lower Buckeye Road will fully reopen or whether citations will be issued.

Updates were expected as investigators confirmed additional details about the circumstances leading up to the crash and the status of the hospitalized driver.