A tragic Monday morning crash in Wilkes County claimed the lives of two adults from Durham, leaving a community heartbroken and two infants recovering in the hospital. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the deadly collision happened just after 8 a.m. at the rural intersection of Somers Road and Hunting Creek Road in the small community of Ronda. What began as an ordinary morning drive for a young family ended in a devastating loss.
Investigators said a 2024 Toyota RAV4 was traveling west on Hunting Creek Road when it entered the intersection without yielding the right-of-way. At that same moment, a tractor-trailer was heading north on Somers Road. The SUV crossed directly into the truck’s path, resulting in a violent crash that caused heavy damage to the Toyota. Troopers are still reviewing all conditions at the scene, including visibility and possible distractions, to understand why the SUV moved into the intersection.
The driver of the RAV4, 34-year-old Aljon Salvador Aguelo of Durham, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. A passenger, 35-year-old Maricel Nano Aquino, also from Durham, was killed instantly. Troopers noted that Aquino was not wearing a seatbelt, a factor that may have worsened the impact of the crash. Their deaths have brought deep grief to friends and loved ones, especially with the knowledge that two infants were also inside the vehicle.
Emergency crews rushed to care for the infants, who were transported by ambulance to Brenner Children’s Hospital. Although both children were injured, officials said their wounds did not appear to be life-threatening, and the infants are expected to recover. Troopers reported that early evidence suggests the children were properly secured in restraints, a safety step that may have protected them from more serious harm.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt and remained at the scene to cooperate with investigators. The Highway Patrol stated that there is no indication the truck driver was speeding, impaired, or engaging in reckless behavior. Based on preliminary findings, the crash appears to have resulted solely from the SUV’s failure to yield, and no charges are expected.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reminding drivers of the dangers present at rural intersections—areas where drivers often misjudge approaching vehicles. The tragic deaths of Aguelo and Aquino serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of stopping fully, checking carefully for cross-traffic, and wearing seatbelts. For now, the Durham community mourns the sudden loss of two lives taken far too soon.
