On Sunday, October 4, at approximately 4:30 p.m., New Mexico State Police responded to a serious traffic collision on Interstate 40 near mile marker 39 eastbound, just outside Gallup. Officers found that a commercial vehicle (CMV) had been traveling westbound on the highway, crossed the median, and entered the eastbound lanes.
Crash details and victims
The westbound CMV struck a grey passenger car and a second commercial vehicle traveling in the proper direction. The impact caused the first CMV to catch fire and become engulfed in flames. First responders from the Office of the Medical Investigator declared three occupants of the passenger car and the driver of the offending CMV deceased at the scene.
The victims in the passenger vehicle have been identified as Wayne Viveiros, 68; Luana Viveiros, 51; and Lilinoe Viveiros, 22, all residents of Hawaii. The driver of the CMV that crossed the median was also pronounced dead, though next‑of‑kin have not yet been notified.
Investigation findings
Preliminary investigation determined that the driver of the westbound CMV was at fault for the collision. The driver of the second CMV involved in the crash was transported to a medical facility with injuries that appear to be non‑life‑threatening.
State police continue to investigate the incident to ascertain why the commercial vehicle entered the wrong lane. No further details have been released at this time.
Community impact
The tragic loss of four lives in a single traffic incident has shocked the Gallup community. Local officials and first‑responders have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the importance of roadway safety, especially on high‑speed interstates that serve as vital corridors for commerce and travel.
Residents are reminded to stay alert while driving, obey posted speed limits, and report any erratic driving behavior to authorities promptly. The New Mexico Department of Transportation is reviewing safety measures on I‑40 to help prevent similar wrong‑way incidents in the future.
Next steps
The crash remains under active investigation by New Mexico State Police. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
