Hickory, NC (July 3, 2026) – Five people, including three young children, were injured in a head-on collision on Thursday morning on Old Shelby Road in Catawba County.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on July 2, near Oglesby Lane, south of Interstate 40. Investigators said a 2023 Toyota RAV4 traveling along Old Shelby Road crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2017 Toyota Sienna.
Troopers identified the driver of the RAV4 as 44-year-old Bobbie Sigmon of Hickory. Sigmon sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. The driver of the Sienna, 35-year-old Lia Vue of Conover, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton.
Three children riding in the Sienna were also injured. Officials said all three, believed to be between 3 and 7 years old, were properly restrained in child safety seats. They were initially taken to UNC Health Blue Ridge with minor injuries. One child was later airlifted to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte after being found to have more serious injuries.
Firefighters reported that two occupants were trapped in the wreckage and had to be extricated. Authorities also noted the crash was initially reported through an Apple iPhone crash-detection alert. Investigators said neither speed nor impairment appears to have contributed to the collision, though charges are expected following the completion of the investigation.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. We wish everyone injured, especially the children, a full and speedy recovery.
Why Do Head-on Crashes Require Air Medical Transport’
Head-on collisions frequently produce severe injuries because of the high forces generated when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. Emergency responders may request air medical transport when patients require rapid access to specialized trauma or pediatric care that may not be available at nearby hospitals.
Investigators carefully document skid marks, vehicle damage, debris, roadway conditions, and the final resting positions of the vehicles to reconstruct how the collision occurred. When occupants must be extricated, rescue operations are coordinated to minimize additional injury while providing timely medical care.
By reviewing physical evidence, witness statements, and available electronic or vehicle data, investigators establish an accurate timeline of the crash. This thorough process helps provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the collision.
