Dust storm triggers 23-car pileup near Roswell, New Mexico
A severe dust storm caused multiple crashes near Roswell, New Mexico, on Monday, March 3, 2025, including a 23-vehicle pileup on southbound Highway 285. Reports indicate at least 2 people have been severely injured and transported to a nearby health care center.
Brown-out conditions near Chaves County on Monday, March 3, 2025. Image credit: Chaves County Sheriff's Office
A severe dust storm caused near-zero visibility conditions near Roswell in Chaves County, New Mexico, on March 3, leading to multiple crashes, injuries, and a 23-vehicle pileup, along with several road closures.
Emergency units, including several ambulances, responded to the scene between Carrol and Orchard Park on southbound Highway 285, just south of Midway (between Roswell and Artesia) at mile marker 98, following reports of crashes.
Reports indicate that at least two people were severely injured in the crashes and transported to Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. Local authorities have not yet released official statements regarding the total number of vehicles involved or the extent of injuries and fatalities.
Image credit: Justin Powel
Image credit: Justin Powel
Image credit: Justin Powel
Image credit: Justin Powel
All 23 vehicles, including five semi-trucks, were transported to the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office via Roswell Transit.
“Chaves County is currently experiencing severe ‘brown-out’ conditions. Several roads in and around Chaves County have been closed. Please use extreme caution if you must drive in these conditions,” the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office stated, advising residents to avoid travel unless necessary.
Southbound Highway 285 and multiple county roads were closed due to crashes and poor visibility.
NOAA GOES satellite imagery captured massive plumes of dust moving with southwest winds on Monday afternoon.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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