Johnston County, NC (August 9, 2025) – A deadly head-on collision occurred late Friday night on Barber Mill Rd outside of Clayton. The crash took place just before 10 p.m. near Vinson Farm Ln at the 3200 block of Barber Mill Rd. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a Chevrolet passenger van crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Subaru Forester.
Emergency crews responded swiftly, but 79-year-old Gus Drellos, the driver of the van, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Subaru, identified as Juan Rodriguez, along with two passengers, including a 7-year-old girl, sustained injuries and received medical attention. Authorities noted that Rodriguez was not found at fault for the collision itself, but he was charged with DWI after the incident.
The roadway was closed for several hours as troopers investigated the crash before reopening early Saturday morning. Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Gus Drellos, and our thoughts are with the injured victims.
Head-On Collisions in North Carolina
Head-on collisions, such as the one on Barber Mill Rd, are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle crashes due to the direct impact and combined speeds of the vehicles involved. In North Carolina, these accidents are frequently linked to driver inattention, impairment, or crossing the center line.
Data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation shows that head-on crashes, while less common than other collision types, result in a disproportionately high number of fatalities and severe injuries. Rural and semi-rural roads like Barber Mill Rd can increase the risk due to narrower lanes, limited shoulders, and curves that reduce visibility. Preventing such tragedies requires drivers to stay alert, avoid impaired driving, and maintain proper lane discipline. Community efforts, including law enforcement patrols and public safety campaigns, play a key role in reducing the occurrence of these devastating incidents.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
