Yesterday [Sunday] around 10:00 a.m., New Mexico State Police investigated a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) fatal crash which occurred on NM State Road 128 at mile marker 47, northwest of Jal, NM.
The initial investigation indicated a semi-tractor trailer (#1) was traveling eastbound at what appeared to be a high rate of speed on State Road 128 and encountered a second semi-tractor trailer traveling eastbound which had slowed in the roadway in order to make a right-hand turn. Semi-tractor trailer #1, attempting to avoid colliding into the rear of the second semi-tractor trailer, entered the opposite westbound lane of travel, and collided head-on with a third semi-tractor trailer traveling westbound.
The collision caused both semi-tractor trailers #1 and #3 to become engulfed in flames and the drivers sustained fatal injuries. Both drivers were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of semi #1 is identified as David Elvis Holt (62) of Bastrop, TX. The driver of semi #3 is identified as Ever Menchaca (40) of Hobbs, NM. The driver of the second semi was uninjured.
Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in this crash. This crash remains under investigation.
(News release from New Mexico State Police)
