Update: Seven Dead, Numerous Injuries after Bus, Semi Collide near Thoreau

The preliminary investigation indicates a semi-truck traveling east on Interstate 40 suffered a tire blow out causing the semi to cross the median into opposing west bound traffic of Interstate 40.  The semi-truck collided head on with a westbound Greyhound passenger bus carrying more than forty-eight passengers.    

From NM State Police:

Update:August 31, 2018:

#NMBusCrash

UPDATE: Seven (7) confirmed fatalities on scene.

August 30, 2018

On August 30, 2018, around 12:00 p.m., the New Mexico State Police responded to a fatal collision involving a semi-truck and a Greyhound bus on Interstate 40 around mile post 50 in McKinley County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicates a semi-truck traveling east on Interstate 40 suffered a tire blow out causing the semi to cross the median into opposing west bound traffic of Interstate 40.  The semi-truck collided head on with a westbound Greyhound passenger bus carrying more than forty-eight passengers.  

 

So far, State Police have confirmed four fatalities. The majority of passengers were transported to area hospitals with varying degrees of injuries. Police are still gathering information about the number and extent of injuries sustained by passengers. The driver of the semi-truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.

The origination and destination of the bus remains unconfirmed.  The ages, genders, and seat position of the victims will not be released until all proper notifications are made. State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau officers are conducting an investigation and inspection of the semi-truck.

The McKinley County Emergency Management has established a reunification center for families affected by this tragedy.  FAMILIES ONLY seeking information about a family member involved in this incident are asked to call the McKinley Emergency Operations Center at (505) 722-4246.  Media personnel should not contact this number for information.

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.  This incident remains under investigation. Updated information will be released when available.

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