Early Sunday on N.C. 16 in Lincoln County, a wrong-way pickup slammed into another vehicle in a fiery head-on collision that left both drivers dead at the scene, according to state troopers. Investigators said the pickup was traveling against traffic when it struck the other vehicle, and both vehicles caught fire. The victims were identified as 33-year-old Alejandro Gutierrez of Vale and 36-year-old Jamar Mishoe of Concord. Troopers said impairment may have been a factor.
State troopers said they were called just after midnight to the crash on N.C. 16 near Sifford Road and shut down the highway while they worked the scene, as reported by WBTV. The station reported that both vehicles were engulfed in flames and that investigators remained on scene for more than three hours. Officials have not yet said how the pickup ended up in the southbound lane.
What Troopers Said
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol told reporters the pickup was heading the wrong way in the southbound lane of N.C. 16 when it collided head-on with the other vehicle. Troopers said the cars "were engulfed in flames," and both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene, according to WBTV. The State Highway Patrol said the investigation is ongoing.
Wrong-Way Crashes and Impairment
Wrong-way collisions are relatively rare on freeways but are far more likely to be deadly when they happen. A statewide traffic-safety study by the N.C. Department of Transportation found that nearly 60% of freeway wrong-way crashes involve a fatality or serious injury and that alcohol or drugs are overrepresented in these crashes. The Federal Highway Administration also notes that many wrong-way incidents happen at night and that impairment is a frequent contributing factor, which mirrors the early findings in this case.
Investigation and Next Steps
Troopers continue to investigate the crash and have not released toxicology results or said whether any charges will be filed. Processing a fatal crash scene and completing lab testing can take days, and investigators are asking anyone with dash-cam video or witness information from N.C. 16 near Sifford Road around midnight to contact the State Highway Patrol or Lincoln County authorities.
