Multiple injuries reported after dust storms cause crashes in New Mexico

In New Mexico, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, intense dust storms led to multiple vehicular accidents and injuries across highways and interstates. The New Mexico State Patrol reported that low visibility caused by blowing dust contributed to a significant multivehicle crash on Interstate 25 between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The emergency response teams provided transport to those requiring medical attention, though exact injury numbers remained unclear at the time. In Otero County, another serious collision involved at least five semi-trucks, including a prisoner transport van, resulting in injuries to several individuals. As a precaution, authorities closed a 101-mile stretch of the highway due to ongoing poor visibility and high winds, which had reached up to 75 mph in some areas, prompting additional closures on Interstate 40 near Milagro. Furthermore, transport routes in Roswell and other parts of the state faced disruptions due to the severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service issued emergency alerts to warn residents about the dangers of zero-visibility conditions and advised motorists to avoid driving into dust storms. High winds also led to power outages affecting over 39,000 customers and contributed to several brush fires, causing structural damage in some cases. Increased concerns regarding fire risks have emerged, particularly in light of the dry conditions affecting much of New Mexico in recent months.