Punk band Peelander-Z suffers ‘horrific’ crash in New Mexico: ‘Lucky to be alive’

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – Three members of the Japanese-American punk group Peelander-Z are "lucky to be alive" after being rear-ended by a semi-truck on their way to a gig, according to a fundraiser organized to support their recovery. The accident took place on the afternoon of May 18 along a stretch of Interstate 40 in Torrance County, New Mexico, fire officials said on Facebook. "There were a total of 4 patients involved in this collision. 3 patients were transported in critical condition to Albuquerque area hospitals," the City of Moriarty Fire Department wrote in the Facebook post, adding that all passengers of the van required "extrication" after the accident. Another person in the van declined to be taken to a hospital, fire officials said. The department also shared a photo from the scene, showing the damage to the band's cargo van. A GoFundMe fundraiser for Peelander-Z later confirmed that all three members of the band — who go by the names Peelander Yellow, Peelander Pink and Peelander Tiger — were hospitalized with "traumatic injuries." "They were rear-ended by an 18-wheeler in their van and are lucky to be alive" after what was described as a "horrific accident," their fundraising webpage reads. An update posted Monday confirmed that all Peelander-Z members were "conscious and stable." Two members, Peelander Yellow and Peelander Pink, had already undergone surgeries, with Peelander Yellow requiring additional surgeries. Between all three band members, injuries ranged from fractured bones and organ trauma to spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries. As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had raised more than $175,000 toward the band's recovery. "Thank you for continuing to keep the band in your thoughts," reads the webpage. Peelander-Z, which is based in Austin, Texas, has canceled the remainder of their tour. A fundraising concert was organized for the group on May 24 in Santa Rosa, California, according to a post shared on their official Instagram page. Another benefit show is scheduled for May 29 in Albuquerque, featuring local bands, Billboard reported.