McKinley County, NM - On September 16, 2018 at about 5:30 p.m. the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash on Interstate 40 around mile post 56 in between Gallup and Grants, NM.

The initial investigation indicated a 2013 Ford was traveling east on I-40. The rear passenger tire blew out on the vehicle causing it to enter the dirt embankment where it began to roll. The female passenger, Michelle M Arnold (51) of Grants, NM sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

The male driver, who will not be identified was fifty-nine-years-old and also from Grants. He was airlifted from the scene with unknown injuries. Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor in the crash and seatbelts were properly utilized. The crash is still under investigation with no additional information currently available.