Las Cruces firefighters located one deceased victim while extinguishing a residential structure fire on Fairway Drive, according to a May 28 announcement. The victim, who has not yet been identified, was found inside the structure and their remains will be transported to the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office in Albuquerque for autopsy.
Firefighters continue to search through debris to ensure there are no additional victims. Investigators from Las Cruces fire and police departments, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are examining evidence to determine the cause of the incident. The explosion was reported shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday and resulted in part of the structure collapsing, primarily affecting the roof of the garage where two vehicles were parked.
The affected building is a single-story residence that is part of a duplex. The adjoining two-story residence to the west sustained minimal structural damage but did experience smoke damage. Three residents from this neighboring home have been temporarily displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Other nearby neighbors were also temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
A section of Fairway Drive between Telshor Boulevard and Don Roser Drive will remain closed during the ongoing investigation at the site.
Las Cruces delivers local governance, services, infrastructure management—including utilities and public works—and community programs within its municipal boundaries under a council-manager government structure led by City Manager Ikani Taumoepeau, who is appointed by the city council, according to the official website.
