On January 24, 2017, New Mexico State Police officers investigated a fatal crash involving two commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) on US 62/180 near mile marker 65 in Lea County.
The initial investigation indicated a CMV driven by Pedro J. Ponce-Coss (50) of Hobbs, NM was traveling westbound on US 62/180 and made a southbound turn onto the WIPP Access Road. As the vehicle turned southbound, it failed to yield to an oncoming CMV traveling eastbound on US 62/180. The eastbound CMV, driven by Jorge Luis Romo (37) of Tucson, AZ, collided into the southbound CMV as it was turning.
Mr. Romo sustained fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced deceased on scene. No other injuries were reported. This crash remains under investigation.
(News release from New Mexico State Police)