Otero County, NM – On February 11, 2023, at around 7:41 p.m. the New Mexico State Police responded to a fatal crash involving 2 vehicles on Highway 54 at mile marker 98 in between Tularosa and Carrizozo.
The initial investigation indicated that a 2017 Honda passenger vehicle driven by Alberto Dominguez Garcia (40) of Albuquerque, was traveling south on US Highway 54. A 2022 Nissan passenger vehicle driven by Vaud Alonzo Burton (82) of Ardmore, OK, was driving north on US Highway 54. For reasons still under investigation the Honda crossed over the center lane and struck the Nissan head on.
Both drivers suffered fatal injuries in the crash. They were both pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Both drivers involved in the crash appeared to have been properly wearing seatbelts. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this crash which is being investigated by the New Mexico State Police.
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