Charles Van Alst Dies in Fatal Gaston County Crash Involving Natural Gas Line Station

GASTON COUNTY, NC – A fatal car accident occurred on Thursday afternoon when a vehicle collided with a natural gas line station, leading to the death of a Mount Holly resident. The incident unfolded at around 2:30 p.m. on Hickory Grove Road, leaving 60-year-old Charles Van Alst dead at the scene.

According to initial reports, Van Alst’s vehicle veered off the right side of the road, struck a culvert, and overturned. The car then hit a natural gas line station before coming to rest on its roof. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but Van Alst was pronounced deceased at the site of the crash.

Authorities have indicated that both speed and alcohol might have contributed to the accident. The exact sequence of events and factors leading up to the crash are still under investigation by local law enforcement. The presence of alcohol is suspected, but toxicology results are pending to confirm whether it was a factor in the accident.

The collision with the natural gas line prompted a temporary shutdown in the area as crews worked to secure the scene and prevent any potential gas leaks. Gas company officials were on-site to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. Fortunately, there were no reports of gas leaks or further threats to public safety resulting from the crash.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of speeding and impaired driving. Local authorities are urging drivers to adhere to speed limits and avoid driving under the influence, emphasizing the potential consequences not just to drivers, but to the community and infrastructure.

The investigation into the crash continues, with officials piecing together the events that led to the fatal impact. They have not yet released further details about Van Alst’s activities prior to the accident or any potential contributing factors beyond speed and alcohol.

As the community mourns the loss of Charles Van Alst, authorities remind the public of the importance of responsible driving. They encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact the Gaston County Police Department as they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal crash.