RSS FeedGRANTS - A four-vehicle accident early Saturday killed one person and seriously injured another, according to Grants Police Department Sgt. Corey Allen.
 A state police officer examines the Chevy truck that was involved in a four vehicle accident early Saturday. Gil Riggs of San Rafael was the passenger in the truck and was killed during the accident. The driver of the vehicle was immediately airlifted to a Albuquerque hospital.BEACON / JARAMILLO |
Allen said he arrived at the scene at approximately 10:30 a.m. and roads were closed until 2:30 p.m.
“According to reports,” Allen said, “the Chevy truck was going to make a left turn [in a non-turning lane] on the road headed westbound in front of Corley Ford. It appears the Chevy truck was struck three times, twice in westbound traffic and the final time in the eastbound lane toward Grants.”
Traffic in the area of the accident was heavy, according to Allen, and could have contributed to the possibility of the accident. The speed limit on Santa Fe Avenue between Corley Ford and Indian Trails Trading Post is 45 miles per hour. On Saturday mornings, because of the growing flea market that causes a congested traffic area, visibility is challenging, especially for a 45 mile an hour rate of speed.
In order to minimize congestion the state Highway Department posted signs in the front of Freeman Lusk's property (see photo on page 3) , site of the flea market, enforcing no parking zones for safety reasons. As the photo shows, some flea market goers have paid no attention to the signs and the issue is ongoing with the property owner, the state Highway Department and public safety officials. The signs are posted in the state right of way area. Vehicles should be parked on the south side of the no parking signs, according to officials. The picture shows vehicles parked on the north side of the signs.
Public Information Officer Delane Barros said that the Highway Department has done what is necessary to this point to minimize Friday and Saturday morning traffic congestion by posting the signs. As to whose jurisdiction it is in regard to enforcing the law, “I don't know whether it is city or state,” she said.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of the deceased person,” Barros said. “We will review the police investigation and do whatever is necessary from there.”
Ramona Dubois, manager of the trading post, said the signs are posted, however, the public safety officials have not enforced them. “We don't have the time to go running outside and stop everyone from parking there,” Dubois said. “We have Grants Police, sheriffs and state police officers, they could enforce the law. We try to control the traffic but could only do so much as a business. Citations need to start being issued.”
Comments
MMW wrote on Sep 18, 2009 12:36 PM:
MMW wrote on Sep 18, 2009 12:34 PM:
Jim Ankrom wrote on Sep 17, 2009 11:19 AM:
AA wrote on Sep 16, 2009 6:32 PM:
I am sorry for the loss of Mr. Riggs. My family is from San Rafael and knew him well. We were sitting in our vehicle, parked across the street from where it happened. All we heard were screeching brakes. When we looked a small brown truck tailgated the little green truck. The green truck was then hit from behind by a black truck, pushed it over the median and an oncming escalade SUV type vehicle hit the passenger side where Mr. Riggs was riding. I think the other gentleman from Tennessee was going to make U-turn and it was a non-turning area. It's hard for us, because we saw it all and yet couldn't help. The images are still in my mind. It was freaky. I am sure Mr. Riggs didn't suffer and the whole thing ended instantly. How is the other gentleman doing. We are concerned about him too. Once again, are most sincere condolences to the Griggs family. "
MMW wrote on Sep 14, 2009 7:20 PM:
I am the granddaughter of Gil Riggs. I am stationed out in North Carolina. His death has been a great shock to us.
He has traveled all across this country and to have an accident in his hometown is such a shock. Any information would be appreciated as my family is so far away. "