Available 
ALBUQUERQUE, Bernalillo County, N.M., Oct. 5, 2026 — Four people died Sunday afternoon, October 4, when a commercial truck crossed the median on Interstate 40 near Gallup and slammed into oncoming traffic. The truck caught fire after hitting a passenger car and a second commercial truck in the eastbound lanes.
New Mexico State Police said officers responded around 4:30 p.m. to the crash near mile marker 39. Investigators said a commercial truck traveling westbound crossed the median, entered the eastbound lanes and struck a gray passenger car before colliding with another commercial truck. The first truck then caught fire, according to police.
The Office of the Medical Investigator pronounced three occupants of the passenger car dead at the scene. Authorities identified them as Wayne Viveiros, 68, Luana Viveiros, 51, and Lilinoe Viveiros, 22, all of Hawaii. The driver of the truck that crossed the median also died at the scene.
The driver of the second commercial truck was taken to a hospital with injuries and is expected to survive, according to NMSP. State police said the driver who crossed the median caused the crash.
The investigation remains active. We are deeply sorry for the losses suffered by the victims' families.
When Wrong-Way Crashes on Highways Like I-40 Are Most Likely
Wrong-way crashes cluster at certain hours more than people expect. Many happen late at night or in the early morning, when traffic is lighter and a confused or impaired driver can travel miles against the flow before meeting another vehicle head-on. Weekend nights carry extra risk, when bars and parties send more impaired drivers onto highways at those same late hours.
Darkness itself changes what a driver can process. Headlights from oncoming traffic can be mistaken for a lane on the correct side of a divided highway, especially at interchanges or where a driver may have entered from an exit ramp. Fatigue adds to the problem; a tired driver reacts slower to the first signs something is wrong.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, alcohol-impaired drivers had a higher risk of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways in 2014 through 2023. Winter weather and poor visibility can compound the danger further, making it harder for other drivers to spot a wrong-way vehicle in time to react.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a wrong-way collision?
Stay alert for headlights approaching in your lane, especially at night, and keep to the right lane on divided highways when possible, since wrong-way drivers often end up there first.
What should someone do if they spot a car driving the wrong way?
Slow down, move to the right lane, and call 911 with your location and direction of travel. Do not attempt to flash lights or signal the other driver to turn around.
What steps do highway agencies take to stop wrong-way entries?
Many departments of transportation install lowered wrong-way signs, reflective pavement arrows, and sensors at exit ramps that can alert highway patrol or trigger warning signs when a vehicle enters against traffic.
Is alcohol usually involved in wrong-way crashes?
It's a common factor. Impaired drivers are more likely to enter a highway going the wrong direction and less likely to correct course once they realize the mistake.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Albuquerque, NM
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Even if you feel fine, seek a medical evaluation, since injuries from high-speed collisions aren't always immediately obvious.
Get the names and badge numbers of responding officers and ask how to obtain a copy of the official crash report once it's completed. If you were a passenger or witness, write down what you remember as soon as you can, including the time, location, and direction of travel of each vehicle involved, while the details are still fresh.
