Explosion and Fire on Fairway Dr Kills One in Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces, NM (May 29, 2026) – One person was found dead inside a duplex on Fairway Drive near Don Roser Drive in Las Cruces after an explosion and fire tore through the structure Thursday morning, May 28. The Las Cruces Fire Department and police responded to the blast shortly after 11 a.m.

Investigators from multiple agencies are participating in the investigation, including federal authorities. Firefighters continued searching through debris to confirm no additional victims were present. Three residents of the adjoining unit were displaced due to smoke damage and are receiving assistance. Nearby neighbors were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.

A portion of Fairway Drive between Telshor Boulevard and Don Roser Drive remained closed as the on-scene investigation continued. The victim has not been publicly identified, and their remains were to be transported to the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office in Albuquerque for an autopsy.

The cause of the explosion remains under active investigation

We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the person killed. 

What Evidence Matters Most in a Wrongful Death Claim in Las Cruces, NM?

The most critical categories of evidence in a residential explosion case in New Mexico include fire investigation reports, utility and gas line maintenance records, building inspection history, and any documentation related to recent work performed on the property. 

In New Mexico, the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim if the death resulted from another party’s negligence, including a property owner, utility provider, contractor, or manufacturer of a defective appliance or gas line component. Identifying who may bear responsibility begins with understanding what caused the explosion, and that determination depends heavily on physical evidence collected early in the investigation.

Investigators’ findings, along with autopsy results, may become key pieces of evidence in any wrongful death proceeding. A Las Cruces wrongful death attorney can work alongside these investigations, preserve independent findings, and ensure that evidence is not lost or destroyed before a claim is filed.

In New Mexico, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within three years of the date of death. For families navigating grief while facing legal deadlines, early legal involvement can make the process more manageable. 

If you have doubts about how a wrongful death claim works in New Mexico, our team at Will Ferguson & Associates can guide you through the process.  

Contact Will Ferguson & Associates at (505) 243-5566. We can help clarify what options may be available based on the circumstances of your loss.