15-vehicle crash closes US 60/84 outside Texico

A 15-vehicle crash, caused by blowing snow, shut down U.S. 60/84 for hours on Monday, one of dozens of vehicle accidents reported across eastern New Mexico.

At least one serious injury was reported in the crash outside the port of entry west of Texico. Curry County Sheriff Michael Brockett said several other major crashes were also reported in the county Monday afternoon, though he was not aware of any fatalities.

U.S. 60/84 eastbound reopened about 9 p.m. Monday, Brockett said, as five large commercial trucks had to be towed.

Brockett said westbound traffic on the highway reopened about 6:45 p.m. Monday.

Brockett said whiteout conditions were responsible for most of the accidents, which mostly occurred between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. He said roads remained slick and encouraged residents stay home if possible through the night.

Clovis Police Chief Roy Rice said about 10 vehicle accidents were reported in the city on Monday afternoon. He was not aware of any fatals but said “it’s getting slicker” about 6 p.m.

Ruthann Kelly, emergency management director for Clovis and Curry County, described the storm as a “very rare occurrence for us.”

In addition to the crash outside Texico, Kelly said major accidents were reported between Clovis and Portales, between Clovis and Melrose and on State Road 209 north of Clovis.

Interstate 40 was closed between Tucumcari and Amarillo and multiple other roads were closed or nearly impassable north of Clovis due to winds estimated at 65 mph at times.

Most of the region saw less than 2 inches of snow, but the winds blowing it around, resulting in zero visibility, were responsible for the wrecks, Brockett said.

The storm began clearing out before nightfall and Tuesday was expected to be a “normal winter day,” Kelly said, with little chance of moisture, sustained winds around 20 mph and temperatures in the 30s and 40s.

Clovis Municipal Schools dismissed students early on Monday and announced plans to delay the start of classes by three hours on Tuesday. Curry County planned to open its offices on a two-hour delay Tuesday.