An overnight car crash occurred on Interstate 40 in New Mexico on Wednesday, May 18, 2010. Bernalillo County deputies say a single vehicle was involved in this rollover crash that occurred on I-40 near Rio Puerco at mile marker 138 on the Laguna Pueblo, not too far from the Route 66 Casino hotel.

The driver, twenty-four-year-old Frank Garcia, was headed westbound on I-40 just after 2:00 a.m. when he crashed his 1991 Lexus into the median and rolled the vehicle onto the eastbound side. The driver was thrown from his car and sustained severe injuries, leaving him in critical condition. He was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) and later died due to complications from his injuries.

The passenger, twenty-year-old Sheldon Phillips, sustained minor injuries and was also taken to UNMH for treatment. Police are investigating the accident to determine whether the driver was wearing his seat belt, and if alcohol or drugs may have contributed to the crash.

The early morning New Mexico car crash backed up traffic for hours as I-40 eastbound was closed until 6 a.m. Traffic was still backed up for much of the morning commute as lanes were reopened one at a time.

We extend our condolences to the victim's families and friends at this tragic time.