Australian Killed in Gruesome Phoenix Crash

PHOENIX - An Australian tourist was hit and killed by an out-of-control driver late Tuesday night, in what witnesses are calling a "horrific accident scene."

It shut down Camelback at 7th Ave for more than 12 hours overnight Wednesday.

The victim was with a tour group who had just attended a Diamondbacks game and was on his way back to his hotel. 29-year-old Ramzy Khalil was in a crosswalk, when witnesses say a car going 90 miles per hour slammed into him and severed his torso.

Khalil was with a group of about 50 tourists. They were on a guided tour of California, Arizona, and Nevada.

The Contiki tour group, made up of people from all corners of the world, never expected to see such a thing.

Greg Fischbein, President of Contiki Tours, says they've sent grief counselors to the hotel where those tourists are staying, many of them shaken after witnessing the crash.

"Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends and all who've been affected by this tragedy," he says.

Officers say a family member was with Khalil when it happened -- they were on a 3-month mini round-the-world vacation.

"We're just shocked by the accident and right now our duty of care is with those family and friends, and our crew that were involved last night," says Fischbein.

The driver of the SUV only suffered minor injuries. He told police he had a medical condition when he ran the red light, hitting Khalil. Police say he never touched the brakes.

The out-of-control car hit two other cars before crashing into a fence and bursting into flames. None of the other drivers were seriously hurt.

Camelback Ave reopened just after 9 a.m. Police are awaiting the results of the driver's toxicology report -- but at this time he claims it was a medical condition.