A man has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 22-and-a-half years following a tragic crash that claimed the lives of five individuals. The incident occurred on January 12, 2023, on Interstate 10 near Wildhorse Pass Boulevard in Phoenix. The driver, identified as Danny Glen Tiner, was found to be traveling at a speed of 68 miles-per-hour in a 55 miles-per-hour construction zone when the collision took place.

Tiner's failure to yield to stopped traffic resulted in a catastrophic six-vehicle accident, which included two semi-trucks that subsequently caught fire. Tragically, five people lost their lives at the scene, leaving their families devastated by the sudden and senseless loss. Among the victims was Andrew, whose mother spoke with ABC15 to share cherished memories of her son.

The investigation into the crash revealed digital forensic data indicating Tiner had accessed at least four TikTok videos while driving, mere seconds before the accident occurred. This alarming discovery highlighted the driver's dangerous distractions and complete disregard for the safety of others on the road.

Maricopa County Attorney, Rachel Mitchell, announced on Monday the sentence of 22-and-a-half years for Tiner, who was charged with five counts of negligent homicide. Mitchell emphasized the importance of driver responsibility and the severe consequences of engaging with social media while operating a vehicle. She stated, "As a driver, you have an obligation to pay attention to the road. To choose to access social media while driving, placing the lives of others on the line, is reckless."

While acknowledging that no amount of justice can ease the pain experienced by the grieving families, Mitchell emphasized the role of the legal system in holding individuals accountable for their actions. "Five families are living through the pain of losing a loved one. While the justice system can never relieve that pain, it can hold the person responsible accountable. We achieved that goal," she added.

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of staying focused while driving and the potential consequences of irresponsibility on the road. As society continues to grapple with the rise of distracting technologies, recognitions of the dangers they pose are crucial, aiming to prevent further tragic incidents such as this one.