North Carolina authorities say two people from Loudon County, Tennessee lost their lives in a vehicle accident on I-40 close to the Tennessee/North Carolina border. Officers say a vehicle occupied by 72-year-old Joyce R. Smallen and her daughter, 49-year-old Ronda Hanson of Loudon was hit head on by a Jeep driven by Steven William Safreed of Waynesville, North Carolina. Officers say Safreed was traveling in the wrong lane of the interstate when the collision happened in Maggie Valley. Smallen and Hanson passed away from injuries sustained. Safreed was taken to a hospital in Asheville, North Carolina for treatment of injuries.