Tucumcari, NM (June 2, 2025) — Two people were killed Sunday morning in a pair of separate but related semi-truck crashes along Interstate 40 near milepost 267, according to New Mexico State Police.
Incident Details: The first crash occurred around 5:00 a.m. and involved three eastbound semi-trucks. Authorities say the initial semi-truck left the roadway, overcorrected, and overturned. A second semi-truck attempted to avoid the wreckage but also flipped. A third semi-truck then collided with the overturned first truck. The driver of that third truck was taken to the hospital, where they later died from their injuries. The other two drivers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
While emergency responders were still on scene investigating the wreck, a second fatal incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. A separate semi-truck crashed into a patrol unit positioned at the site of the earlier collision. The truck then veered off the road and flipped. The driver and the officer sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital, but a passenger in the semi-truck was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Authorities are actively investigating both collisions and will likely focus on whether fatigue, distraction, or speed contributed to the accidents.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the deceased victims’ families may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims to help recover compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, and the loss of life. The injured parties may pursue personal injury claims to assist with their medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.