Chandler, AZ – UPDATE: Clemente Torres Arrested After Fiery Crash at Chandler Blvd

Chandler, AZ (October 28, 2019) – Police say that a recent car explosion at a Chandler gas station was caused by a man who was allegedly impaired.

Officials say that the incident happened just before 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon at the AM/PM Arco, which is located at Chandler Boulevard and Alma School Road. According to reports from the Chandler Police Department, 21-year-old Clemente Torres parked at a pump and went into the store to pay for gas. Torres then realized he was at the wrong pump, got into his car and sped around the pumps, hitting a 77-year-old woman who was filling up her car as he drove around.

A cellphone video shot by witnesses shows the front end of Torres’ car on fire right before the explosion happened. Torres’ burning car was nudged directly behind the injured woman’s car. 

The woman Torres allegedly hit was transported to the Maricopa County Hospital Burn Center, where she is recovering from second-degree burns to her hands, head, neck, and body. Another witness rescued the woman from the fire before Chandler paramedics arrived at the scene to transport her.

Torres and an AM/PM employee tried to put out the fire with water and a fire extinguisher but were not successful. At that point, witnesses say that Torres started running away. Per court documents, Torres was on his way to DUI Veterans Court in Tempe for a previous DUI arrest when this incident occurred. 

Once law enforcement officers eventually located Torres, they noticed a strong alcoholic odor on his breath. Torres was placed under arrest, and he is now under investigation for impaired driving.

Torres faces several charges including aggravated assault, leaving the scene of an accident and endangerment. The cost of the damaged vehicles, gas pump, and station overhang is estimated at $25,000, court documents confirm.

Our thoughts are with the injured victim and her family in hopes of a full recovery.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Arizona

Around 50,000 injuries occurred as a result of last year’s crashes, according to information from the Arizona Department of Transportation. Many injurious incidents have traumatic consequences for survivors, who face issues like long-term physical problems, financial difficulties, and emotional trauma.

But those affected can seek help from an accident lawyer, especially if the crash was caused by the negligent actions of another driver. With the help of a skilled lawyer, drivers who have experienced wrecks through no fault of their own can protect their legal rights in the aftermath of a crash.

At ELG Law, our skilled, compassionate team of car accident lawyers has years of experience fighting for victims and their families after these unfortunate accidents. Contact our auto accident attorneys today at (623) 562-3838 to schedule your free consultation.

Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that, to your knowledge, is incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.

Disclaimer: As members of the local Phoenix and broader Arizona community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. However, this information should not be misconstrued as legal advice, and you should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation.