Adrian Hedden

El Rito Media

At least two people were killed when a car crashed into a utility pole late Thursday night in Artesia.

Police said a white 2014 Chevrolet Corvette was traveling north on 13th Street at about 11:30 p.m. when it hit the power pole. The driver and a passenger were pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office.

The names of the deceased were not officially released as the accident was under investigation, but they were believed to be Aaron Harmon, 21, and Mallory Ebert, 14.

Deputies with the sheriff’s crash and reconstruction unit were investigating.

Lt. Amy Dugas with the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office said no other vehicles were involved and the sheriff’s office did not suspect any crime had occurred.

“It is considered a single vehicle accident,” she said. “It’s a tragic accident. There’s not really anything else we’re suspecting.”

The crash was reported on the north side of town near North 13th Street and Mahone at the bridge, closing the road to Memorial Drive at Artesia General Hospital.

Artesia police said 13th Street was reopened as of Friday afternoon.

The accident also damaged a power line, leading to a temporary power outage in the city, according to police.

Artesia General Hospital said the power outage and road closure affected hospital operations and access to the main campus on North 13th Street. Power was restored by about 3:50 p.m. Friday, the hospital said via Facebook.