One driver died and another suffered a head injury near milepost 102
May 08, 2026 | Akela, NM
A 31-year-old man drove the wrong way on Interstate 10 early May 8 in Luna County, colliding with two vehicles near milepost 102.
What happened in the crash?
Artem Durnov allegedly drove the wrong way and crashed into two vehicles on Interstate 10 near Akela in Luna County, killing one driver and injuring another.
New Mexico State Police reported the driver continued traveling against traffic after the initial collision. One motorist became trapped inside a vehicle and later died at a hospital. A second driver suffered a head injury and required hospitalization. Neither victim has been publicly identified.
- Date and time: Early May 8, around 1:40 a.m.
- Location: Interstate 10 near milepost 102, Akela area
- Distance references: About 20 miles east of Deming and 30–35 miles west of Las Cruces
- Charges filed: Vehicular homicide, DWI, and reckless driving
Why do these accidents happen?
Drunk-driving incidents remain a leading cause of roadway fatalities across the United States. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows nearly 30 people die daily in alcohol-related crashes.
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|
| Daily U.S. drunk-driving deaths | Nearly 30 | NHTSA |
| Frequency of deaths | Once every 50 minutes | NHTSA |
| Annual drunk-driving fatalities | More than 10,000 | CDC |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, families affected by serious motor vehicle crashes may explore civil options alongside any criminal proceedings. Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal, noted that separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.
In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a grieving family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that negligent drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added that an incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death. When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, a hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the motorist responsible for the crash.
The injured driver may also pursue recovery for medical costs, lost wages, and related damages.
Key Takeaways
- Wrong-way crashes often involve impairment or distraction
- Civil claims can address medical, funeral, and emotional losses
- Prompt evidence collection strengthens potential recovery options
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).