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A van occupied by Mexican nationals blew a tire and rolled over on U.S. 54 near Santa Rosa about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, killing one and injuring 11, State Police said.
A rollover accident near Santa Rosa involved this van full of Mexican nationals. One person died and 11 were hurt. The van blew a tire and lost control. (COURTESY OF KOAT-TV)
Javier Tarango, 44, of Mexico was pronounced dead at the scene and 11 others were transported to Guadalupe County Hospital in Santa Rosa, State Police spokesman Lt. Robert McDonald said in a written statement.
The Ford passenger van was northbound on U.S. 54 when the right, rear tire blew out, causing the van to leave the roadway and roll three times, McDonald said. Three passengers were ejected from the vehicle.
State Police offered no additional information about where the passengers boarded the van or where they were destined. McDonald could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Five of the injured were airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital where they were listed in critical condition, a hospital spokesman said.
— This article appeared on page C1 of the Albuquerque Journal
