Benjamin Torres, 64, killed and John G. Vasquez, 30, injured and arrested for DWI when their car overturns in floodwaters on State Road 434 near Mora, New Mexico

Modified Date: 
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 10:27am
Accident Date: 
Sunday, August 7, 2022

One dead, one charged with homicide after driving into floodwaters

Vasquez told police he and Torres had traveled to Mora around 10 a.m. to get a few beers, and that he was driving back to Guadalupita when he encountered the floodwater, according to the affidavit.

Mora County flooding flips car, kills one in drunk driving incident

Vasquez was arrested and then questioned by a deputy that was on scene. He confirmed that he and Torres did have a few beers.

NMSP: One Man Dead, Another In Jail After Driving Into Flood Waters In Mora County

He was able to get out of the vehicle before it was swept away. After receiving first aid for minor injuries, Vasquez immediately left the area and started walking west from the scene.

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Benjamin Torres
John G. Vasquez
Roadway: 
State Road 434
City: 
Mora, NM