A fatal collision on State Route 238 on Friday afternoon is being attributed to an SUV trying to pass a commercial truck in the path of oncoming traffic.

Vehicles collided head-on, killing both drivers. Two teens were seriously injured. According to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at around milepost 18 east of Gila Bend at 1:26 p.m.

MCSO’s report states Matthew Williams of Mesa was driving west with two juveniles in his 2017 Honda Pilot SUV. He attempted to pass an 18-wheel tractor-trailer in a passing zone. The two juveniles later told detectives he was traveling about 80 mph.

As Williams was passing, a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado half-ton truck driven by Gregory Wayne Allen of San Tan Valley approached from the opposite direction. According to the report, both drivers made evasive maneuvers at the same time to avoid each other, both swerving onto the shoulder of the two-lane road, where they collided head-on.

Williams and Allen died in the collision.

The juveniles were transported to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. One suffered a fractured sternum, perforated bowel and enlarged liver. The other suffered a fractured elbow and a fractured patella.

According to MCSO, speed is considered a factor in the collision, but not drugs or alcohol. The road was closed for several hours. The accident remains under investigation.

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