Portales youth killed crossing road

A 7-year-old Portales girl was struck by a pickup truck and killed Thursday as she attempted to cross a highway east of Portales, according to New Mexico State Police.

Mireya Tarango was crossing the highway from a neighbor’s home to her home on N.M. 88 when she was struck, according to investigating officer Lt. Rick Anglada of the state police. He said the accident occurred approximately 4:40 p.m.

Anglada said the investigation revealed brush obstructing the driver’s view may have contributed to the accident. He said that witness reports indicated Tarango darted across the street.

Tarango was pronounced dead at Roosevelt General Hospital, according to state police.

Police said the pickup was southbound on N.M. 88, occupied only by the driver, a 29-year-old Portales man, when the accident occurred. The pickup sustained damage to the right front of the passenger side.

The driver was not injured.

Police would not identify the driver of the vehicle on Thursday night.

They said no citations were issued.