3 Killed, 1 Critically Injured in Crash on US 64/87 Semi-Truck Crash Near Grenville [Union County, NM]

Passenger Car Becomes Wedged Under Semi-Trailer After Fatal Crash on US 64/87 in Union County

UNION COUNTY, NM (August 5, 2026)— Three people died, and another person suffered critical injuries after a passenger car collided into the trailer of a semi-truck early Wednesday morning in a crash on US 64/87 west of Grenville.

Union County authorities received reports of the multi-vehicle crash at approximately 4:00 a.m. on August 5, 2026, near mile marker 401.

When Union County Sheriff’s deputies arrived, they found a passenger car that had struck the semi-truck’s trailer and become wedged underneath the rear portion of the trailer.

Union County Sheriff Curtis Skaggs said the collision resulted in three fatalities. Emergency personnel transported one additional person to Union County General Hospital in Clayton, where the individual remained in critical condition.

Authorities withheld the identities of the victims pending notification of their families.

The semi-truck driver, described as a company contract driver, was not injured. Officials had not released additional information about the driver as of Thursday evening.

The fatal collision forced authorities to close the westbound lanes of US 64/87 for approximately nine hours. Traffic was diverted into the eastbound lanes, which temporarily accommodated vehicles traveling in both directions until the westbound side reopened later Wednesday afternoon.

Investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the collision. Although fog moved into the area roughly two hours after the crash, authorities said they did not consider it a contributing factor because it arrived after the collision occurred.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office said the fatal crash remained under investigation as of late Thursday afternoon.

Sweet Lawyers extends our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the deceased. May the bereaved find solace and strength in this extremely trying time.

Supporting Families After a Fatal Semi-Truck Collision

The loss of a loved one in a sudden highway crash can have an immeasurable impact on a family.

When several lives are lost in the same collision, and another person remains critically injured, families may be forced to cope simultaneously with grief, medical uncertainty, funeral arrangements, financial pressures, and unanswered questions about how the crash occurred.

At Sweet Lawyers, we understand that families affected by fatal traffic accidents need more than information about a legal process. They deserve compassion, patience, respectful communication, and the opportunity to understand what options may be available while they focus on the people who matter most.

Serious crashes involving passenger vehicles and commercial semi-trucks can require detailed investigations. Authorities and other professionals may examine vehicle damage, roadway evidence, driver statements, electronic records, maintenance information, witness accounts, photographs, and other available evidence to establish the sequence of events.

In underride-type collisions, where a smaller passenger vehicle travels beneath part of a larger truck or trailer, the resulting forces can be devastating.

The presence of a commercial vehicle can also introduce additional factual questions that may need careful review. These can include the actions of each driver, the condition of the vehicles, visibility, roadway conditions, truck maintenance records, and other circumstances surrounding the collision.

No conclusions should be drawn until the available evidence has been fully evaluated.

Families dealing with a fatal crash may also face significant financial and practical consequences, including funeral costs, loss of household income, medical expenses incurred before death, and the emotional effects of losing a loved one.

Every family’s circumstances are different, which is why individualized guidance can be important.

Sweet Lawyers works with families affected by fatal motor vehicle and commercial trucking accidents. Our team is committed to listening carefully, explaining the process clearly, and providing compassionate support during an extraordinarily difficult time.

If your family has lost a loved one in a serious highway or semi-truck collision, visit Sweet Lawyers to learn more about our wrongful death services and resources.