Stranded Family Rescued
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Highway Maintainers Rescue Stranded Motorists Just South of Corona
NEAR CORONA-While patrolling for problem areas to plow along U.S. 54, New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) highway maintainers came across a vehicle that had driven off a 30-foot deep ravine. The maintainers noticed skid marks leading off the ravine just south of Corona and when they went to investigate, found a car upside-down with a family of four inside.
Maintainers Ernest Lueras and Kyle Davis jumped into action and quickly began the rescue on foot in below-zero temperatures, with wind gusts up to 40 mph.
“They were lucky the car didn’t land on some of the big rocks down there. The inside of the cab would have been crushed,” said Ernest Lueras, District Two Highway Maintainer. “They were also very lucky they didn’t freeze to death.
“This is an instance where blankets and rope would have been helpful, but we managed,” stated Lueras. “The boy had a cut on his head, but other than being cold and a little scared, the family seemed fine.”
The stranded family was there approximately an hour before the highway maintainers found them around 11 p.m. Tuesday. The family was kept warm inside of the DOT truck until emergency responders arrived on seen.
Lueras and Davis finished their shift this morning around 10 a.m.
“For those who travel during adverse weather like this, there is always a risk. I am happy to see that because of the swift actions of Lueras and Davis everyone came out of the situation unscathed,” said Transportation Secretary Designate Alvin Dominguez. “Incidents such as this are not uncommon during winter storms of this magnitude. Our highway maintainers are often unsung heroes and I want to take this opportunity to commend the Department, especially Lueras and Davis, for their heroic efforts.”
Department of Transportation officials continue to urge motorists to stay off state roadways during adverse weather, drive for the conditions, and be prepared with an emergency kit.
For up-to-date road advisory information visit www.nmroads.com, or dial 511.
Manon Arnett, Public Information Officer for the New Mexico Department of Transportation District Two, at (575) 637-7200.
