Charlotte, VT (May 18, 2026) – A 23-year-old man lost his life after a head-on collision involving a passenger car and a tractor-trailer in Charlotte early on Sunday morning, May 17. The crash happened around 5:15 a.m. on Ethan Allen Highway.
According to investigators, David Santiago Quimbay Gonzalez was driving a 2009 Kia Rio southbound when the vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 2025 Freightliner Cascadia head-on. The truck was transporting compressed natural gas at the time of the collision.
Officials said Gonzalez was not wearing a seat belt during the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner was not hurt. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased man.
How Are Head-On Crashes Commonly Examined?
Head-on crashes are often among the most serious types of roadway accidents because both vehicles may be traveling at full speed before impact. After these collisions, investigators usually review lane positioning, roadway markings, and the direction each vehicle was traveling before the crash occurred.
Vehicle damage can help show the angle and force of the impact. Investigators may also examine skid marks, debris patterns, and whether either driver attempted to avoid the collision. Seat belt use is another factor that is frequently reviewed, especially in fatal crashes.
In accidents involving large commercial trucks, investigators may also inspect cargo conditions and the truck’s mechanical systems. Road conditions, visibility, and lighting during early morning hours can provide additional context as officials work to understand how the collision unfolded.
