Aljon Salvador Aguelo, Maricel Nano Aquino Death News – Two adults from Durham lost their lives early Monday morning in a serious two-vehicle crash at a rural intersection in Wilkes County. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that the collision happened just after 8 a.m. in the community of Ronda, where Somers Road intersects with Hunting Creek Road.
According to investigators, a 2024 Toyota RAV4 was traveling west on Hunting Creek Road when it entered the intersection without yielding the right-of-way. At the same time, a tractor-trailer was moving north on Somers Road. The SUV crossed into the path of the oncoming truck, resulting in a violent collision that caused extensive damage to the Toyota.
Troopers identified the driver of the RAV4 as 34-year-old Aljon Salvador Aguelo of Durham. Aguelo sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. A passenger in the SUV, 35-year-old Maricel Nano Aquino, also from Durham, was killed instantly. Authorities noted that Aquino was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, a factor that may have contributed to the severity of her injuries.
Two infants were also inside the Toyota when the collision occurred. Emergency crews provided immediate care before transporting both children by ground ambulance to Brenner Children’s Hospital. Though the infants were hurt, officials said their injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. Their conditions have not been fully released, but troopers indicated they were expected to recover.
The tractor-trailer involved in the crash sustained damage, but its driver was unharmed. He remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Authorities have reviewed preliminary evidence and stated that there is nothing to suggest that speeding, impairment, or reckless driving played a role on the part of the tractor-trailer operator. Because the crash appeared to result solely from the failure to yield at the intersection, no charges are expected.
The intersection where the crash occurred is a rural crossing that requires drivers on Hunting Creek Road to stop or yield before entering Somers Road. Investigators will review whether visibility, distraction, or other contributing factors influenced the SUV’s movement into the path of the truck. Highway Patrol troopers often stress that rural intersections—especially those without traffic lights—are common sites for severe collisions because drivers may underestimate the speed or distance of approaching vehicles.
The deaths of Aguelo and Aquino have brought significant grief to their community in Durham. Crashes that involve families, especially when young children are present, often have deep emotional impacts on both relatives and first responders. The fact that two infants survived with non-critical injuries provides some relief, though the tragedy of losing both adults remains profound.
As is standard procedure, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to analyze the crash scene, vehicle positions, and available witness statements to complete its investigation. Officials will also review whether all safety equipment—including child restraints for the infants—was properly used, though early reports indicate that the children were secured.
This fatal incident serves as a reminder of the risks present on roadways, even during routine morning travel. Authorities encourage all drivers to approach intersections cautiously, ensure full stops at required signs, and check carefully for oncoming traffic before proceeding. They also emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times, as they significantly reduce the risk of fatal injuries in crashes.
Although the investigation is ongoing, troopers have made clear that the crash appears to be a heartbreaking accident rather than the result of any criminal behavior. The Highway Patrol will release additional details if new information emerges. For now, the community mourns the loss of two adults whose lives ended unexpectedly on a quiet Wilkes County roadway.
