Authorities are investigating whether blowing dust was a “significant factor” in Saturday’s Interstate 10 collision.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety also stated in a Sunday morning release that the number of fatalities and injuries in a previous report was incorrect.

“At this time, troopers believe the collision involved six commercial motor vehicles, four passenger vehicles, a van and a recreational vehicle towing a trailer,” a DPS release stated.

“There are four confirmed fatalities, two people in critical condition who are receiving life-saving treatment, one person admitted for care and precautionary treatment and five more people who were treated and released.”

Those injured were taken to Valley hospitals following the March 1 crash outside of Tonopah.

DPS officials said, due to the number of vehicles and people involved, the investigation will take time.

Investigators said they believe there was an initial collision, followed by one or more collisions.

“Troopers are investigating whether blowing dust was a significant factor in the collisions by potentially causing reduced visibility,” the release stated.

DPS will not release the identities of victims until their families are notified.

The eastbound travel lanes of Interstate 10 reopened for traffic at approximately 3:10 a.m. March 2.

Witnesses and/or anyone with additional information are asked to report it to the AZDPS at 1-888-4AZTIPS (1-888-429-8477) or submit a tip online at www.azactic.gov.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.