Man arrested after fatal crash causes fire and chemical spill on US 60 in Mesa

MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A man has been arrested after a fatal chain reaction accident that led to a massive fire and chemical spill on an East Valley highway Friday morning.

Brett Quadlin, 39, was sentenced to prison on two counts of involuntary manslaughter, three counts of endangerment, aggravated assault and leaving the scene of a fatal collision.

Authorities said four vehicles were involved in the crash around 7:30 a.m. near Country Club Drive and Iron Avenue, south of U.S. 60.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, a Hyundai Sonata and a Subaru SUV were stopped at the red light at the Country Club exit at the intersection. Troopers say a white Ford pickup truck driven by Quadlin failed to stop at the red light, struck the Hyundai from behind and pushed the vehicle into the Subaru.

Crews arrived to find the Hyundai and Subaru engulfed in flames, and firefighters began an aggressive attack on the flames and smoke.

Quadlin fled the scene and officers used the Mesa Police Department's real-time monitoring center to track him down. When officers arrested him, Quadlin had allegedly removed his clothing and was making religious and political statements, according to court documents.

According to police, one of the vehicles struck a gray Dodge pickup truck that was also stopped for running a red light next to Hyundai and Subaru.

Pool cleaner from one of the trucks spilled onto the intersection.

The two people in the Hyundai, 48-year-old David Ortiz De Jesus and 46-year-old Yesenia Morales De Castillo, died at the scene. The driver of the Subaru was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Investigators said Quadlin was speeding and impaired at the time of the crash and did not brake before impact.

He also reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana that morning, cops said.

His bail was set at $1 million.

Quadlin was previously arrested on two counts of DUI, trespassing and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

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