LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Following the impact, both vehicles became fully engulfed in flames.<\/p>\n
Authorities confirmed that both drivers died at the scene of the crash.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The investigation is ongoing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"