2 drivers airlifted after head-on crash

Published 3:31 pm Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Two drivers were critically injured in a head-on collision on Saint Martin Road.

Omar S. Cebalos, 30, of Monroe, and Samantha R. Heun, 31, of Albemarle, were airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center – Charlotte after Monday night’s crash, according to trooper M.E. Taylor of the N.C. Highway Patrol.

A hospital spokeswoman said Wednesday Cebalos remains in critical condition, with Heun listed in fair condition.

Heun’s three children, ages 14, 6, 4, were passengers in Heun’s vehicle. All were taken to CMC by ambulance. Heun’s 6-year-old son suffered a broken hip and remains hospitalized. The other two children were treated and released, Samantha Heun said from the hospital.

Around 8:40 p.m. Cebalos was traveling west on St. Martin Road at Frog Pond Road in a 2007 Acura sport utility vehicle when he crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound Heun, who was driving a 2012 Dodge Journey, Taylor said.

Estimates show Cebalos was traveling at a speed of 60 mph and Heun at 50 mph when the vehicles collided, Taylor said.

All involved were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Cebalos faces charges of driving left of center.