Motor Vehicle Accident With Injury on I-40

(Bernalillo County, New Mexico) – At approximately 11:50 a.m., the state police responded to an accident with one injury on I-40 near mile marker 184. The driver of a 1996 Dodge Caravan, Kathleen Powell (56 of Mcintosh, NM), was airlifted to UNMH hospital with serious injuries, but was in stable condition. The west bound lanes of I-40 were closed for approximately 30 minutes, and traffic was backed up for approximately 2 miles. Ms. Powell was the only occupant, but she had a dog in the vehicle that was slightly injured. The dog is in fair condition and was cared for by the Edgewood Animal Control.

The accident investigation revealed the Dodge Caravan was eastbound and drifted into the median of I-40. Evidence at the scene indicated the driver overcorrected the steering, lost control of the vehicle causing it to rollover. The driver, Ms. Powell was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.

Thanks for the media’s assistance with advising the public of the traffic problems!

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