Local Greyhound riders react to deadly New Mexico bus crash
8 people have been reported dead Thursday night and dozens are being treated at hospitals following a Greyhound bus crash in New Mexico.
A semi-truck hit a Greyhound bus head-on the I-40 between Gallup and Grants in New Mexico. Police say the semi-truck’s tire blew out launching the truck into oncoming traffic slamming head-on into the Greyhound bus and leaving a third car mangled on the side of the highway.
We have since learned the bus was going to Phoenix en route to Los Angeles and was scheduled to make a stop in Indio Thursday night.
“When you mentioned Gallop, New Mexico you know, I thought, ‘Wow something happened in Gallup? Wow,'” said Miguel Ramirez, a Desert Hot Springs residents who used to live near Gallup.
Ramirez told KESQ & CBS Local 2’s Lauren Coronado he has ridden the same route this bus was on several times before.
“It’s kind of sad to hear this happen but it happens a lot on the I-40. A lot of semis have accidents between Gallup and Alberqurque,” Ramirez said. “But you never think of an accident that bad on a Greyhound bus.”
Others at the Greyhound stop in Indio shared their concerns.
“There’s always a risk when you’re driving,” said San Diego resident Lisandra Burgos. “I do have to look at my safety and for my kids and since I have taken my kids on the bus, it is a big concern.”
Greyhound Spokeswoman Crystal Booker told the wire service that it was unclear what caused the crash. Booker released a statement the crash:
There were 49 passengers onboard. The total number of injuries has not been determined at this time and we are fully cooperating with local authorities. Our first priority is taking care of our passengers and their families as this incident has deeply impacted all involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone as we continue to give our support to all affected. Friends and family in need of information can contact Greyhound on our Friends and Family hotline at 1-800-972-4583.
A hotline has been set up by the McKinnley County Fire Department for those seeking the identities of passengers on board the bus – (505) 863-3839.
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