LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — Two drivers were killed early Sunday morning in a fiery wrong-way collision on N.C. 16 near Sifford Road, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the crash occurred on June 21, 2026, at approximately 12:04 a.m., when a 2017 Ram pickup truck was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of N.C. 16. Investigators said the pickup collided head-on with a 2021 Mercedes van.
Following the impact, both vehicles became fully engulfed in flames.
Authorities confirmed that both drivers died at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the Ram pickup has been identified as 33-year-old Alejandro Sierra Gutierrez of Vale. The driver of the Mercedes van was identified as 36-year-old Jamar Louis Barnett Mishoe of Concord.
According to troopers, preliminary findings suggest that impairment may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Investigators have not released additional details as the case remains active.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said troopers remained on scene for more than three hours conducting an investigation while N.C. 16 was closed in both directions.
Emergency responders worked to secure the area and manage the aftermath of the collision, which left significant damage due to the force of the impact and resulting fire.
Officials said additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues. The circumstances leading up to the wrong-way travel are still under review by crash reconstruction teams.
State troopers continue to urge drivers to remain alert and never drive under the influence, noting that wrong-way crashes often result in severe or fatal outcomes.
The investigation is ongoing.
