A Mesa couple died Tuesday evening after being broadsided by a tractor-trailer on the Beeline Highway close to Mesa.

Sgt. Warren Simpson, supervisor of the Arizona Highway Patrol squad based in Fountain Hills, confirmed that Earl Beasaw and Janie Sipple, both 85, died after their four-door sedan failed to yield onto oncoming traffic at Center Street and State Route 87 on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

A tractor-trailer broadsided the sedan, and even though both occupants were wearing seat belts, Simpson said the nature of the accident was so severe that both died at the scene. No other injuries were reported, and there were no indications that impairment was a factor, Simpson added.

Beasaw was driving south on Center Street, which is about halfway between McDowell and Gilbert roads, when he apparently either failed to stop or yield to oncoming traffic and entered the intersection.

The incident occurred around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, forcing the closure of all four lanes for several hours. Lanes were re-opened around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.