VAUGHN, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a family from Denver, including a child, is dead after their vehicle hit a cow and then a car in central New Mexico.
State Police say the deadly crash occurred around 3 a.m. Saturday on U.S. 54 north of Vaughn.
According to investigators, a Saturn struck a cow in a southbound lane.
The impact sent the car into the northbound lane, where it collided head-on with a semi-tractor trailer.
Police say flames erupted in both vehicles.
The semi driver escaped and tried to free the other driver.
Authorities say the driver and two occupants suffered fatal injuries.
They have been identified as 26-year-old Guerrero Jimenez, 75-year-old Ofahalea Sanchez and 3-year-old Angela Jimenez.
Investigators do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.
