THOREAU – New Mexico State Police reported multiple fatalities and injuries as a result of a collision between a semi-truck and a Greyhound bus heading to Los Angeles around noon Aug. 30, near mile-marker 50, on Interstate 40 near Thoreau.

New Mexico State Police confirmed eight fatalities from the bus that was carrying about 48 passengers Aug. 31. The driver of the semi-truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

As of Sept. 4, the Office of the Medical Investigator had identified all eight victims who died in the crash. The seven released names are Emmett Stoker, 66; Raymon Michael Albrecht, 27; Sadie Thomas, 50; Charla Bahe, 34; Terry Mason, 45; Luis Alvarez, 49; and Veronica Jean Williams 49.

OMI determined that all eight individuals died from accidental blunt force trauma.

According to a University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center tweet, UNM Hospitals was treating six patients as of Sept. 5, after discharging several patients in the preceding days.

Photos of the scene showed the bus having extensive damage to the front end, while the trailer was on its side with the front portion totally destroyed and its contents spilling out into the road.

People who went by the scene and posted remarks on social media said it appeared the truck crossed the median and hit the bus head on.

According to a New Mexico State Police tweet, “Preliminary crash information indicates a semi-tractor-trailer traveling on I-40 EB (eastbound) had a tire blowout and crossed into oncoming WB (westbound) traffic, colliding with a Greyhound bus.”

One witness said he saw people trying to get out of the windows because it was impossible to do so through the front door due to damage to the front of the bus. Another post said the people on the bus were being helped by other people that arrived on the scene shortly after the collision.

“The ages, genders, and seat position of the victims will not be released until all proper notifications are made,” NMSP Public Information Officer Ray Wilson said in a press release. “State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau officers are conducting an investigation and inspection of the semi-truck.”

The National Transportation Safety Board arrived later on scene to conduct an investigation along with the New Mexico State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, Wilson added.