For Immediate Release
March 13, 2023
Albuquerque, NM – On March 12, at around 8:00 a.m. a New Mexico State Police officer on patrol in Albuquerque drove up on a fatal crash on Interstate 25 northbound at Montano.
The initial investigation indicated that a 2002 Buick Century, driven by Marlene Platero, 66, of To’Hajilee, NM, and a 2022 Jeep were both traveling north on Interstate 25. The Buick encountered a water heater laying in the roadway. The Buick swerved to avoid hitting the water heater and collided with the Jeep. Ms. Platero sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Seatbelts were properly used, and alcohol does not appear to have been a factor. How the water heater ended up in the roadway is still under investigation. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact the New Mexico State Police at (505) 841-9256.
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