The initial investigation indicated a white Dodge pick-up, driven by Charles Lane, 64, of Aztec, NM., was travelling northbound on U.S. Highway-491, near milepost 34. For unknown Reasons, Mr. Lane’s vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the rear of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), that was parked on the shoulder, due to mechanical issues.
From NM State Police
Saturday, October 21, 2023
On October 19, 2023, at about 6:00 p.m. The New Mexico State Police investigated a double fatal, two vehicle crash that occurred on U.S. Highway 491 in McKinley County.
The initial investigation indicated a white Dodge pick-up, driven by Charles Lane, 64, of Aztec, NM., was travelling northbound on U.S. Highway-491, near milepost 34. For unknown Reasons, Mr. Lane’s vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the rear of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), that was parked on the shoulder, due to mechanical issues.
There was a two-year-old passenger in the Dodge pick-up, who sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Mr. Lane was transported to a hospital in Albuquerque, where he succumbed to his injuries.
There were two occupants in the parked CMV, who did not sustain injuries.
Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor.
The New Mexico State Police are investigating the crash.