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Police: Dust storm crash in New Mexico kills 6

DEMING, N.M. - Several vehicles were involved in a crash on an interstate highway in southwestern New Mexico during a dust storm, killing at least six people, the State Patrol said.

The crash occurred about 5:30 p.m. MDT Thursday in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 in Hidalgo County, several miles from the Arizona border.

"Initial investigation has revealed that due to a severe dust storm, several vehicles, both passenger vehicles and Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV), were involved," police said in a news release.

They said six people have been confirmed dead, but the brief statement did not include any details about injuries.

There was no further word on the specific number or types of vehicles involved, but the Arizona Daily Star of Tucson reported that Arizona state officials said the crash included a tractor-trailer rig fire.

The interstate was shut down in both directions. Westbound lanes reopened later but the status of the eastbound lanes wasn't immediately clear early Friday.

Police say no other details are available.

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