Two Durham Adults Killed, Two Infants Injured in Tractor-Trailer Crash in Ronda, NC
Aljon Salvador Aguelo, Maricel Nano Aquino Car Accident – A devastating traffic accident in northwestern North Carolina on Monday resulted in the deaths of two adults and non-life-threatening injuries to two infants, according to a report from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The crash involved a passenger vehicle and a large tractor-trailer.
The deadly incident occurred around 8 a.m. Monday morning in the rural community of Ronda, located roughly 50 miles east of Boone and 75 miles west of Greensboro. State troopers were dispatched to investigate the crash scene at the intersection of Somers Road and Hunting Creek Road.
Investigators from the State Highway Patrol determined that the collision involved two specific vehicles: a 2024 Toyota RAV4 and a 2006 Western Star tractor-trailer. The investigation indicates that the Toyota RAV4 was traveling West on Hunting Creek Road, while the tractor-trailer was proceeding North on Somers Road.
The preliminary findings point to a critical lapse on the part of the Toyota driver. Authorities stated that the Toyota failed to yield the right of way at the intersection, which directly resulted in the crash between the two vehicles.
The two adult occupants of the Toyota RAV4 tragically died at the scene of the crash. The driver was identified as Aljon Salvador Aguelo, a 34-year-old resident of Durham. The passenger, Maricel Nano Aquino, 35, also of Durham, was also killed at the scene. The official report noted a crucial safety violation regarding the passenger: Ms. Aquino was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the impact.
Despite the severity of the collision, there were two infant passengers traveling in the Toyota RAV4 who survived the crash. These infants were immediately transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Fortunately, their injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.
The driver of the 2006 Western Star tractor-trailer was assessed at the scene and reported to be uninjured in the crash. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the circumstances of the collision, focusing on the failure to yield right of way as the primary cause of the tragic double fatality and the injuries sustained by the young passengers.
The incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the severe consequences of traffic violations, particularly at intersections involving large commercial vehicles, and the critical importance of utilizing safety restraints. The communities in Durham and the small rural area of Ronda are left to mourn the loss of two adults and hope for the full recovery of the two infants.
