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.

More from Local News

  • Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

    The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.

  • Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

    The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County.  Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.

  • *Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

     The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:

  • 90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

    The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.

  • Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

    Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside.  Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • Diné College Selects New President

    Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 23°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 52°F | Low: 16°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 59°F | Low: 27°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 23°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 54°F | Low: 28°F