One dead in Melrose-area truck wreck

MELROSE — A Tijeras man was killed Tuesday morning in an accident involving three tractor trailers just west of Melrose.

Richard Joseph, 45, was declared dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred just before 5:30 a.m. according to information from the New Mexico State Police.

The NMSP investigation indicated a 2000 Kenworth tractor trailer driven by Joseph was traveling east on U.S. 60 near mile marker 357, and for unknown reasons crossed the centerline into the westbound lane. The vehicle sideswiped a 2017 Kenworth and a 1987 Peterbilt before continuing completely across the lane and rolling onto its top on the westbound shoulder.

The other two drivers were not injured. All drivers were wearing seatbelts, and alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash, state police reported.