3 dead after dust causes crashes on I-10 in Ariz.

Authorities in Arizona say three people are dead and several others seriously injured after a dust storm led to multiple crashes on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety says up to six commercial vehicles may have been involved in chain-reaction collisions south of Casa Grande shortly after noon Tuesday.

DPS officials say several passenger cars also were involved, including one that was pinned between two 18-wheelers.

Television footage shows several cars smashed into each other in the middle of the highway, with most of the big rigs pulled over on the side of I-10 near Picacho (pih-CAH’-cho) Peak in south-central Arizona.

Several medical helicopters were taking some of the injured to hospitals.

DPS officials say all westbound lanes of I-10 north of Picacho Peak are closed.