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Fatal 550 accident detailed in traffic report
US-550 at Northwest Loop Road currently only has a stop sign for those turning onto 550.
Published
Modified
Two weeks ago, a serious accident at the intersection of US 550 and Northwest Loop Road claimed the life of two people involved in the accident.
Rio Rancho Police Department names those involved and detailed what happened in a traffic report released Aug. 30.
According to the report, the couple that died from their injuries were Larry Castillo, 69, and Christine Castillo, 62, of Torreon, New Mexico.
When police arrived at the accident, they found a silver in color Dodge Challenger facing north in the west lanes of travel with significant front-end damage. The couple were found on the passenger side of the vehicle in critical condition and were being attended to by EMS. EMS took them to a hospital before police could talk to them. The Castillos died at the hospital.
The other car involved, a Cadillac, driven by Richard Ramsey of Rio Rancho, was facing east in the east-side lanes with significant drivers' side front-end damage. Police noted that both Ramsey and the other occupant were alert and were being attended to by emergency personal. When police spoke with Ramsey, he said he and his wife were in the process of driving into town when they approached the intersection. Ramsey said as he was turning, he was struck by another vehicle. Due to his injuries, he was unable to recall most of the event and was unable to provide an extensive statement.
The driver of the Dodge Challenger told police she and her grandparents were driving eastbound on US 550 to UNMH hospital. She said she was driving about 85 mph when the Cadillac attempted to make a left turn onto the highway from Northwest Loop Road. She attempted to stop but was unable to brake in time, striking the front of the driver's side of the Cadillac. She also had visible injuries and had difficulties providing an extensive statement.
Neither driver appeared intoxicated, according the report, in which police note that Ramsey made an improper left turn. However, no criminal charges have been filed.
No further information has been provided at this time.
