Three dead, one injured in head-on collision

Three Clovis men were killed, and another was injured in a head-on collision Wednesday on N.M. 209 north of Clovis, according to New Mexico State Police Capt. Jimmy Glascock.

According to Glascock, the three killed were:

• Charles Sims, 89, driver of a 1996 Mercury four-door vehicle.

• Carlos Bustillos, 26

• Jaime Bustillos, 20

Sergio Mendoza-Ortega, 21, of Clovis, was airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock, according to Glascock. He is listed in stable condition. He was driving a 1995 Nissan four-door vehicle, with Carlos and Jaime Bustillos as passengers.

The accident happened about 5:15 p.m. when one of the vehicles was traveling north and crossed over into the southbound lane, Glasock said. Authorities have not yet determined which vehicle was heading north.

“It appears, at this time, that the vehicles were traveling at least the highway speed (65 mph),” Glascock said. He defined the scene as extensive and complicated, and daylight will be needed to make a full evaluation.

Glascock said the investigation has determined that prior to the crash, another driver was in the southbound lane, and the driver had to take evasive action into the shoulder to avoid the northbound vehicle.

Glascock said state police are asking that driver to contact the department to see if they can provide any additional information.