Troopers: Alcohol, speed contributed to deadly crash near Lincoln-Cleveland county line

CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities have identified the man who died in a fiery crash Monday afternoon that shut down Highway 18 for several hours.

The head-on collision happened just before 4:30 p.m. on Highway 18 near Highway 10, near the Lincoln-Cleveland County line.

Troopers said a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado was heading south on Highway 18 when it crossed the centerline and collided with a box truck.

After the collision, both vehicles burst into flames. Troopers said the box truck was hauling tires, which caused it to burn for hours.

The driver of the box truck was able to escape and was taken to the hospital. Officials said he should survive.

The driver of the Silverado, 27-year-old Luis Antonio Aguirre, died at the scene, troopers said.

According to the Highway Patrol, alcohol impairment and speeding on the part of Aguirre appear to have contributed to the crash.

The highway was shut down until 9 p.m. in both directions near Shytle Road in Cleveland County while crews investigated the scene.

No further information has been released.

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