A wrong-way crash on I-85 North in Gastonia early Friday left one person dead and another injured. The crash happened near Mile Marker 23, temporarily closing northbound lanes at Exit 23 during the investigation.
Gaston County officials confirmed the vehicle driving the wrong way shortly before the crash. Officers arrived to find a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter van and a 2015 Hyundai Elantra involved in the wreck.
Investigators confirmed the Hyundai, driven by 23-year-old Jorge Narino, was heading in the wrong direction. Narino died at the scene. Authorities have not determined why he entered oncoming traffic. The van’s driver was injured, but details on their condition have not been released.
The crash remains under investigation.
