Glen Alpine – On Sunday, June 8, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the NC State Highway Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal collision in Burke County on US 70 near Sundown Road. A 2017 Ford F-150 traveling east on US 70 crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a westbound 2022 Kia Forte. The collision caused the Kia to collide with the guardrail and overturn.
The driver of the Ford, Benjamin Jacob Willis, 43, of Morganton, was transported by EMS to an area hospital in critical condition.
The driver of the Kia, Jacob Alan Ferguson, 30, of Morganton, was transported by medical helicopter to an area hospital in critical condition. A back seat passenger, an eight-year-old juvenile, succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The initial investigation indicates impairment was a contributing factor in the collision. Upon completion of the ongoing investigation and consultation with the Burke County District Attorney’s Office, charges are pending against Mr. Willis. During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for approximately three hours.