LENOIR, N.C. — Troopers say NC Highway 18 closed Wednesday afternoon after two vehicles collided head-on leaving one driver dead and the other injured.
The NC State Highway Patrol responded to the fatal collision on NC 18 near Cedar Rock Circle around 12:40 p.m.
Troopers say initial investigation reveals a 1997 Toyota Camry was traveling east on NC 18, crossed left of center, and collided head-on with a 2017 Hyundai Sonata traveling west on the same highway.
A tractor-trailer also heading west on NC 18, behind the Hyundai, sustained damage from debris during the collision, according to a news release.
Troopers say the driver of the Camry, Junior Rich, 78, of Lenoir, died at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the Hyundai, John Young, 30, of Hickory was injured in the crash and take to a local hospital in Lenoir to be treated.
Troopers say both drivers were wearing seatbelts and neither speed or impairment seem to be contributing factors to the crash.
No charges are expected.
NC 18 was closed for closed to two hours during the on-scene investigation.
