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UPDATE: 8 people confirmed dead in I-40 horror crash

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Staff Reports

THOREAU, N.M. – New Mexico State Police reported multiple fatalities and injuries as a result of a collision between a semi-truck and a Greyhound bus heading to Los Angeles around noon Thursday, near mile marker 50, on Interstate 40 near Thoreau.

 

As of about 12:30 pm on Aug. 31, New Mexico State Police had confirmed eight fatalities from the bus that was carrying about 48 passengers. The driver of the semi-truck sustained non-life threatening injuries.


All but six people were reported as being treated at area hospitals with varying degrees of injuries, with many reportedly transferred to GIMC and Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital for treatment.


"The exact number of injuries is still being investigated," a NMSP tweet reads.


Photos of the scene showed the bus having extensive damage to the front end, while the trailer was on its side with the front portion totally destroyed and its contents spilling out into the road.


People who went by the scene and posted remarks on social media said it appeared the truck crossed the median and hit the bus head on.


According to a New Mexico State Police tweet, "Preliminary crash information indicates a semi-tractor-trailer traveling on I-40 EB (eastbound) had a tire blowout and crossed into oncoming WB (westbound) traffic, colliding with a Greyhound bus."


One witness said he saw people trying to get out of the windows because it was impossible to do so through the front door due to damage to the front of the bus. Another post said the people on the bus were being helped by other people that arrived on the scene shortly after the collision.


"The ages, genders, and seat position of the victims will not be released until all proper notifications are made," NMSP Public Information Officer Ray Wilson said in a press release. "State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau officers are conducting an investigation and inspection of the semi-truck."


The National Transportation Safety Board arrived later on scene and will be conducting an investigation along with the New Mexico State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, Wilson added.

N.M. State Police have updated the contact number for families with reunification questions about loved ones involved in the accident: (505) 722-4246.

 

This is a developing story. Story last updated at 2:29 pm, Aug. 31.

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