Written by Officer Dusty Francisco 12/07/2021
Sierra County, NM – On December 6, 2021, at approximately 8:14 a.m., the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash on Interstate 25 near milepost 63, south of Truth or Consequences, NM.
The initial investigation shows a 2002 Ford F-150 pickup, driven by Ernesto Olivas (69) of Albuquerque, NM, was traveling south in the left lane of Interstate 25 alongside a 2022 Freightliner Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) which was also traveling south in the right lane. For unknown reasons, the Ford merged into the right lane and struck the CMV. After the collision, the Ford left the roadway and struck a guardrail. The driver of the Ford, Olivas who was not wearing a seatbelt was ejected from the vehicle. Olivas sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of Medical Investigator.
A passenger in the Ford, a 66-year-old female sustained unknown injuries. She was transported by emergency personnel to an area hospital in T or C. There were two occupants in the CMV at the time of the crash, a 48-year-old driver and a 35-year-old passenger, they were both uninjured.
Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor in the crash. All occupants properly utilized a seatbelt except the driver of the Ford. This crash remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.