In the early hours of Friday, May 2, 2025, a tragic vehicle collision on Interstate 85 in Belmont, North Carolina, claimed the life of a Charlotte man and led to hours of traffic disruption. At approximately 1:23 a.m., officers with the Belmont Police Department responded to the scene of a serious crash on I-85 northbound, near mile marker 25, following an earlier warning from Gaston County Communications about a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate.

Authorities confirmed that two vehicles were involved in the crash: a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter transit van and a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Hyundai Elantra, driven by 23-year-old Jorge Narino of Charlotte, was heading southbound in the northbound lanes of the highway — traveling against the flow of traffic — when it collided head-on with the Sprinter van.

Emergency medical personnel from Gaston Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) arrived quickly on the scene. The driver of the Mercedes Sprinter suffered minor injuries and was transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for evaluation and treatment. Sadly, Jorge Narino was pronounced deceased at the scene due to the severity of his injuries sustained in the impact.

In response to the fatal crash, the Belmont Police Department’s Traffic Unit and Crime Scene Unit were deployed to conduct a comprehensive investigation. As part of the investigative procedure, all northbound lanes of I-85 in the area were closed to traffic for several hours. Investigators worked diligently through the early morning to gather evidence, document the scene, and attempt to piece together the moments leading up to the devastating incident.

Authorities have not yet released information regarding whether impairment or other contributing factors may have played a role in the wrong-way driving incident. The Belmont Police Department has stated that the investigation is ongoing.

Friday morning commuters experienced significant delays due to the closure, and law enforcement officers were present to redirect traffic and ensure public safety as the investigation progressed. Drivers were urged to seek alternative routes and remain patient during the extended closure.

The Belmont Police Department extended its condolences to the family of Jorge Narino and reminded the public of the dangers of wrong-way driving, urging all motorists to stay alert, obey traffic signs, and immediately report any unusual or dangerous driving behavior.

This incident marks another sobering reminder of the risks that can arise on busy roadways, particularly during overnight hours when visibility is reduced and driver fatigue or impairment may be more prevalent.

Updates will be provided by the Belmont Police Department as more details become available regarding the investigation.

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