4 N.M. teens die in car crash

SANTE FE, N.M., June 29 (UPI) -- Authorities in New Mexico say alcohol may have played a role when a wrong-way driver slammed into another car, killing four teenagers.

A fifth youth in the same car was severely injured in the early Sunday collision on the Old Las Vegas Highway in Santa Fe, KOAT-TV, Albuquerque, reported. Investigators said the driver of the car, Avree Koffman, 16, tried unsuccessfully to avoid the oncoming Jeep.

"You're talking about a 100 mph impact," Santa Fe County Undersheriff Robert Garcia said.

The station said police suspect the Jeep's driver, Scott Owens, 28, was under the influence of alcohol.

Koffman was on life support at an Albuquerque hospital, while passengers Rose Simmons, 15; Julian Martinez, 16; Alyssa Trouw, 16; and Kate Klein, 16, died on impact, the TV station said.

Authorities said Owens, who suffered only minor injuries, faced a number of criminal charges, including four counts of vehicular homicide.

Investigators said he had slurred speech and watery eyes when officers arrived but they were awaiting the outcome of blood test results.

Owens had a prior DWI arrest in June 2001, KOAT reported.