Rutherford County -- February 1, 2026: A fatal collision in Rutherford County is highlighting the dangers of snow removal operations. The incident serves as a stark reminder for drivers in Western North Carolina to exercise extreme caution and give ample space to snow plows and other equipment during winter weather events.
On Saturday, January 31, 2026, 55-year-old Brandon Atkins of Forest City, died after his Chevrolet pickup collided with a motor grader performing snow removal on U.S. 74 East in Rutherford County. The crash marked the first highway fatality in Western North Carolina related to the recent winter storm.
There were three passengers in the vechicle, all were transported to the hospital, sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that Atkins was driving eastbound when his truck struck the NCDOT-contracted motor grader. Atkins was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other occupants suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized.
Officials Respond to Hazardous Conditions
The incident occurred during a major winter storm that brought significant snowfall to the region. Areas like Maggie Valley and Balsam received up to 9 inches of snow, and freezing temperatures contributed to icy road conditions, complicating snow removal efforts.
Following the crash, officials urged motorists to stay home if possible and to use extreme caution if travel was necessary. Since midnight Saturday, troopers responded to numerous collisions and service calls. NCDOT crews have been treating priority roads with salt. Officials advised avoiding non-emergency travel as hazardous conditions were expected to linger.
The governor provided a statewide storm update noting high snow totals, power outages, and snow/ice-covered primary roads in Western North Carolina counties. The fatality is not related to a separate single-vehicle crash on January 9 on Piney Mountain Church Road in Rutherford County.
The fatal collision underscores the critical importance of driver awareness and caution around snow removal equipment. As Western North Carolina continues to grapple with winter weather, transportation officials are urging drivers to reduce speed and maintain a safe distance from snow plows to prevent future tragedies.
WNCTimes