Alicia Bustos and Analuisa Mendoza ID’d as 2 Victims Killed in Amarillo Crash on Interstate 27 at McCormick Road Overpass

Amarillo, Texas (October 14, 2022) – The two people who were killed in a fiery head-on crash early Thursday morning in Amarillo have been identified by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Alicia Bustos, 21, and Analuisa Mendoza, 21, both of Portales, New Mexico, died in the crash that happened at around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, October 13, on Interstate 27 at the McCormick Road overpass, which is about three miles south of Amarillo.

DPS said Rayna Smith, 18, of Canyon, was driving a 2018 Ford F-150 southbound in the left lane of northbound Interstate 27 towards the McCormick Road overpass. A 2022 Nissan Sentra was heading northbound on Interstate 27 in the left lane, also approaching the McCormick Road overpass.

Both vehicles traveled over the McCormick Road overpass at the same time and collided head-on in the left lane. After the impact, the Ford pickup stopped in the left lane and left shoulder, facing southeast, and burst into flames. The Nissan rotated and was pushed backwards by the impact and stopped on the right shoulder facing north.

Smith was trapped inside her vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency personnel before the car became fully engulfed with flames.

The occupants of the Nissan, now identified as Bustos and Mendoza, were pronounced dead at the scene. Both were wearing seat belts.

Smith suffered serious injuries and was taken to Baptist St. Anthony’s in Amarillo, where she is in stable condition. She was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Authorities later determined that Smith was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Further details regarding the collision were immediately provided.

The accident remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, 18-wheeler, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign, or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.

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