I-40 eastbound reopened after fatal accident at Big I

Albuquerque –

At 4:40 p.m., Albuquerque Police and Fire Departments were called to I-40 Eastbound (EB) at Big I for an accident. NM Roads reports the accident occurred at mile marker 159. When police and fire departments arrived, they reportedly found at least three vehicles involved in an accident. One person died at the scene.

APD and Police Service Aides (PSAs) are blocking traffic on I-40 EB at 6th Street, preventing traffic from accessing the interstate. All of I-40 eastbound is currently closed. It is our understanding that the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) will be investigating this fatal crash. However, as of this posting, the NMSP is not currently on the scene.**

As we learn more, we'll update you. You can also check NM Roads for accident updates and live views from NM DOT cameras.

If you are stuck on I-40, not block the shoulder as this will prevent APD and other emergency personnel from reaching the accident scene.

**UPDATE:**

At 18:35 the NMSP posted on X:

Due to a fatal accident, all eastbound lanes on I-40 are closed at mile marker 159 near the Big I. Please avoid the area. For current road conditions, visit http://NMRoads.com. –

Since this update, traffic has been backed up to Rio Grande Boulevard.

UPDATE 2:

As of 7:20 p.m., I-40 EB from Big-I to 4th Street was still not reopened to the public. Fatal traffic accident investigations can take many hours as police conduct interviews, collect evidence, and take photos of the accident scene.

It appears that NMSP and APD are detouring traffic off Interstate 40 at Exit 159A.

We have posted photos of the latest camera views from the NM DOT cameras below.

UPDATE 3:

The lanes were still closed at 7:45 p.m. Tow trucks have arrived to remove the totaled vehicles.

Readers have told us there are traffic backups as far north as Coors, but the NM DOT camera on I-40 eastbound and the Rio Grande River shows no major traffic jams.

According to a source, one person died in the accident, but we do not have any further details yet as the police are probably in the process of notifying the family.

UPDATE 4:

At 8:22 p.m., only one vehicle was still at the scene of the accident, the others were being cleared by tow trucks. A tow truck driver loaded the remaining vehicle onto the back of his truck.

We will inform you when the motorway is reopened.

UPDATE 5:

I-40 eastbound has been reopened at Big I since 8:35 p.m.