SANTA FE, Santa Fe County, N.M., Oct. 23, 2026 — A three-vehicle crash shut down St. Francis Drive in both directions on Wednesday morning, October 21, during the morning commute. One driver was reportedly pulled from his vehicle and taken to a hospital with serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The Santa Fe Police Department Traffic Section said the Regional Emergency Communication Center began receiving calls around 8:24 a.m. about a crash near St. Francis Drive and Columbia Street. Patrol officers arriving at the scene reportedly found a Ford Mustang resting on its roof in the southbound lanes, while a Toyota Matrix and a Toyota Tacoma had come to rest in the northbound lanes.
Crews shut down St. Francis Drive at Calle Anaya and at West San Mateo Road in both directions for about two and a half hours while officers worked the scene. A 41-year-old man had to be extracted from his car and was taken immediately for treatment. A driver from one of the other vehicles was evaluated by ambulance staff at the scene and released without being transported.
The Traffic Section is continuing to investigate and said excessive speed may have been a factor, though a final determination has not been released. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Traffic Officer James McCowen through the police department.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Santa Fe, NM
This multi-vehicle crash happened at St. Francis Drive and Columbia Street in Santa Fe, NM. We cover crashes across Santa Fe County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Santa Fe County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a highway pile-up?
Keep a steady speed that matches traffic flow, scan several car lengths ahead for sudden braking, and avoid following so closely that you can't react if the vehicle in front stops short.
What should I do if I come up on a crash scene on a busy road?
Slow down well before reaching the scene, turn on your hazard lights to warn vehicles behind you, and move into a lane away from the wreckage if it's safe to do so rather than stopping suddenly.
Why does following distance matter so much in multi-vehicle crashes?
A longer gap between vehicles gives a driver more time to brake or steer around trouble, which can be the difference between stopping safely and adding another car to the pile-up.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Santa Fe, NM
If you're involved in a crash with multiple vehicles, start by checking yourself and any passengers for injuries before stepping out into traffic. Move to the shoulder or a safe area only if your vehicle is drivable and it's safe to do so. Call 911 even for what seems like a minor collision, since injuries from multi-car wrecks aren't always obvious right away. Get checked by a medical professional even if you feel fine, exchange information with other drivers when possible, and request a copy of the police report once it's filed. Santa Fe officers will typically ask witnesses and involved drivers for statements, so stay at the scene until they say you're free to go.
