Officials in Moriarty, New Mexico reported that four people were hospitalized Thursday morning after a major crash involving three semi-trucks and three passenger vehicles on westbound Interstate 40 near mile marker 195. According to authorities, emergency crews initially responded to reports of a semi-truck fire around 10:20 a.m. but discovered multiple vehicles involved upon arrival. The crash forced the temporary closure of westbound lanes while crews extinguished the fire and cleared the wreckage. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Crashes involving multiple semi-trucks on busy interstates could be caused by a number of factors, whether that’s traffic, driver issues, or even mechanical issues. Determining which vehicle initiated the sequence and whether proper following distance was maintained will be central to this investigation.
What Investigators Will Work to Determine
Investigators will begin by reconstructing how the chain-reaction unfolded, focusing on the speed and spacing between the semi-trucks. They will review Engine Control Module (ECM) data from each truck to determine braking times, throttle activity, and relative speeds in the moments before impact. Establishing the order of collisions will help determine whether one or more drivers failed to maintain adequate control or following distance in response to slowing traffic.
Authorities will also analyze each driver’s hours-of-service records, dispatch logs, and communication history to confirm compliance with rest requirements. Fatigue and reaction delay are common contributing factors in multi-vehicle incidents involving commercial carriers.
Examining Equipment Condition and Cargo Safety
Each semi-truck will undergo a detailed mechanical inspection to ensure that braking systems, tires, and stability controls were functioning properly. Investigators will also examine cargo securement and load weight to determine whether improperly balanced or overweight loads affected stopping performance.
If any of the vehicles involved were carrying hazardous or flammable materials, investigators will review whether load safety protocols were followed, as improperly secured freight can worsen the impact or increase the likelihood of fire.
What Types Evidence Should Be Considered?
In addition to ECM and physical inspection data, investigators will analyze skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle resting positions to reconstruct how the impacts occurred. Dash camera footage or traffic surveillance video may provide additional clarity regarding which truck initiated the collision and how quickly following vehicles reacted. Witness accounts from other drivers will also help confirm traffic conditions and the progression of events.
Why Thorough Investigation Is Important
When multiple semi-trucks are involved in a highway collision, the scale of damage often points to split-second reaction failures or mechanical limitations. A detailed investigation will help determine whether driver attentiveness, maintenance lapses, or unsafe spacing contributed to this crash. Establishing the precise sequence of events is essential to understanding what happened.
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