FROM STAFF REPORTS
A Huntersville woman who was traveling in the wrong direction on Interstate 77 on Monday night died as a result of injuries she sustained in a head-on collision.
N.C. State Highway Patrol troopers responded to the crash on I-77 near mile marker 60 about 8:40 p.m. Monday.
According to an NCSHP news release, a 2023 Volkswagen Arteon was traveling south in the northbound travel lanes and collided head-on with a 2007 Toyota SUV in the right lane.
After the impact, the Volkswagen traveled off the shoulder of the northbound lanes and struck a tree, troopers said.
The driver of the Volkswagen, identified as Stephney Lynn Morris, 65, of Huntersville, succumbed to her injuries at the scene, according to the news release. Morris was not restrained by a seatbelt.
The driver of the Toyota, Ana Lopez, 38, of Hays and passengers were transported by Iredell County EMS to Wilkes Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation indicates speed and impairment contributed to the collision.
No charges will be filed in this case.
Thank God Ms Lopez will be okay. Wonder if NC has plans to follow other states in developing technology that deters wrong way driving? It appears increasingly important that such measures are taken.
I passed the driver at MM69 and immediately called 911 because everyone was swerving to get out of the way. Wish I knew how to get ahold of the driver of the Toyota.