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Students’ condition improving

The conditions of Portales High School students injured in a one-car crash Monday morning are improving.

Front-seat passenger Selene Valladarez, 15, is in critical but stable condition in an intensive care unit in Lubbock, said her brother, Jesus Valladarez Jr. After being unconscious all day Monday, she was improving in responsiveness to nurses Tuesday, he said.

Passenger Shalisa Davis was released Tuesday from Covenant Medical Center, according to hospital staff.

Driver Naomi Gutierrez’ condition wasn’t available Tuesday, but she was reported in stable condition Monday night. Passenger Schlar Teel was treated and released Monday from Roosevelt General Hospital.

Portales Police Capt. Lonnie Berry said investigators are trying to determine the speed the vehicle at the time of the crash. He said police might not be able to determine what happened unless they were able to interview Valladarez and Gutierrez.

The crash happened about 9:15 a.m. Monday when the 1999 Toyota Camry that Gutierrez was driving west on Lime Street veered off the road to the north and hit a tree near the intersection of Lime and Boston Avenue.