Carlsbad, NM : Two men were killed in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 285 on February, Sunday 18th 2018

Two men were killed in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 285 near Loving on Sunday.

New Mexico State Police responded to the scene at about 7:30 a.m. near mile marker post 17.

Fernando Garcia Martinez, 60, of Carlsbad, and Michael Ponce, 39, of Roswell, were traveling south bound in a 2013 Dodge passenger truck when a semi truck traveling north collided with their vehicle head on.

Martinez and Ponce sustained fatal injuries and were both pronounced dead at the scene, State Police said.

State Police said the semi truck crossed the middle line and side swiped a second semi truck traveling south before colliding with the Dodge vehicle.

The drivers of the two semi trucks were not injured.

State Police are currently investigating the incident.

Charges are pending against the driver of the 2004 semi, State Police said, and the driver's identity will not be released unless the charges are officially filed.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor.

Source :
Two killed in crash near Loving