Albuquerque, N.M. – Authorities with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) are looking into two separate crashes that claimed the lives of two people within just a few hours of each other this week. Both incidents involved vehicles traveling through busy intersections, and while the drivers who survived were hospitalized in stable condition, investigators are piecing together what led to the tragic outcomes.
First Crash: Montgomery and Jefferson
The first deadly collision occurred on Wednesday night, September 11, shortly after 9 p.m. According to APD’s preliminary findings, the wreck took place at the intersection of Montgomery Boulevard and Jefferson Street, a heavily trafficked area known for its steady evening flow of commuters.
Investigators said a Kia Sportage traveling westbound on Montgomery attempted to continue through the intersection at the same moment that a Scion Tc, coming from the opposite direction, was preparing to turn left onto Jefferson heading north. The two vehicles collided in what police described as a “t-bone” style crash, leaving both cars heavily damaged.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene. The driver of the Scion suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the site. The Kia’s driver was transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to recover, though the extent of their injuries has not been fully disclosed.
Traffic in the area was shut down for several hours as investigators documented the scene and collected evidence. Detectives are reviewing traffic camera footage and interviewing witnesses to determine whether speed, driver distraction, or any other factors contributed to the crash.
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Second Crash: Eubank and Spain
Only a few hours later, in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 12, APD officers were called to another serious collision on the opposite side of the city. Just after 1 a.m., a white Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound on Eubank Boulevard attempted to continue through the intersection with Spain Road. At the same time, a Toyota Camry moving west on Spain entered the crossing.
The two vehicles slammed into one another in the middle of the intersection. The impact was severe enough that the driver of the Camry died before they could be taken to a hospital. Meanwhile, the Elantra’s driver was transported to a local medical facility and was later listed in stable condition.
Much like the first incident, police closed the roadway while investigators worked to reconstruct the sequence of events. Officers are examining whether either vehicle may have run a red light or if other issues, such as impaired driving, factored into the crash.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The back-to-back fatal wrecks have added to an already challenging year for traffic investigators in Albuquerque. APD has been working to reduce deadly crashes across the city, which often occur at busy intersections during peak hours or late at night when visibility is lower and impaired driving incidents are more common.
In a statement, APD officials emphasized that both investigations are still in the early stages. Toxicology results, witness statements, and a thorough review of vehicle damage will help determine what charges, if any, may be filed. Officials have not yet released the identities of the deceased, pending notification of their families.
Community Concerns About Dangerous Intersections
Residents in both neighborhoods say they are not surprised to hear about fatal crashes at these intersections. Montgomery and Jefferson, in particular, is known for heavy traffic volumes during rush hours, while Eubank and Spain has long been a concern for drivers who complain about vehicles speeding or attempting to beat traffic lights.
City transportation planners have in the past considered additional safety measures, such as extended left-turn signals, increased lighting, and stepped-up traffic enforcement in high-crash corridors. However, these proposals take time and funding, leaving drivers to rely on caution and defensive driving in the meantime.
Reminder on Road Safety
Police are urging drivers to use these tragedies as a reminder to remain alert behind the wheel. That means slowing down when approaching intersections, avoiding distractions like cell phones, and never assuming the other driver will yield.
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“Intersections are one of the most dangerous places on the road,” an APD spokesperson said. “We are asking drivers to be patient, obey signals, and double-check before proceeding. A moment’s decision can mean the difference between life and death.”
A Somber Week for Albuquerque
The two deaths mark yet another somber reminder of the risks Albuquerque drivers face. Families of the victims are now left grieving while the community looks to city leaders and law enforcement for solutions that might prevent similar tragedies.
As investigations continue, APD has pledged transparency in sharing updates and findings. For now, both intersections have reopened to traffic, but the wreckage left behind has made a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.
