Chaves County, NM – The New Mexico Department of Public Safety is reporting that on September 27th, 2022, at around 4:29 a.m. New Mexico State Police officers were dispatched to a crash on US 380 and Red Bridge Road, east of Roswell.
The initial investigation indicated that a 2017 Freightliner tractor-trailer was westbound on US 380. The 45-year-old-driver was going to turn north onto Red Bridge Road but missed his turn.
The driver stopped on the shoulder of US 380 and was attempting to back the Freightliner and trailer onto Red Bridge Road.
For reasons still under investigation, a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, driven by Arlie Plunk Jr (89) and occupied by Billie J. Plunk (83) that was eastbound on US 380 collided with the trailer of the Freightliner.
Mr. and Ms. Plunk, both of Bay Springs, Mississippi sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
They were pronounced deceased on the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
The driver of the Freightliner was not injured.
This crash remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.
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