In a heartbreaking incident near the U.S.-Mexico border, two service members lost their lives and a third is in serious condition following a vehicle crash in New Mexico. Military officials reported the tragic event on Tuesday, highlighting the dangers faced by those serving in the region.
The fatal crash occurred on New Mexico's Highway 9, specifically at mile marker 115, close to the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. This location is approximately 13 miles north of El Paso, Texas, and directly adjacent to the border. The incident was reported around 8:50 a.m., according to a statement from the Joint Task Force Southern Border.
As of now, specific details regarding the deceased and the injured service members, including their military assignments, have not been disclosed. The Joint Task Force Southern Border has not yet responded to requests for further information regarding the crash.
The service members involved in this tragic incident were assigned to the Joint Task Force Southern Border. This task force was formed following a directive from former President Donald Trump, who allocated defense budget resources to enhance military presence at the border. In March, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered nearly 3,000 active-duty troops to deploy to the U.S.-Mexico border as part of an initiative aimed at curbing immigration and drug trafficking.
The military forces involved include components from a Stryker brigade combat team and a general support aviation battalion, as confirmed by the Defense Department.
Local authorities, including the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, reported that the three service members were airlifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Images released by KTSM show debris from the vehicle off the roadway and down a slope, indicating the severity of the crash.
The cause of this tragic vehicle crash is currently under investigation by the Joint Task Force Southern Border. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
