Driver dies after crashing into Pineville government complex, NC police say

The driver was killed when his vehicle slammed into a government complex that includes a Mecklenburg County library branch and Pineville’s Town Hall, according to Pineville police.

The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. Monday, in the 500 block of Main Street/N.C. 51, and the vehicle ended up “completely” inside the building, investigators said.

“A Honda passenger vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed while traveling West bound on N.C. 51 through our downtown area. After crossing over the railroad tracks on N.C. 51, this Honda appeared to lose control and ultimately crashed into the Meck Co. Library and the Pineville Town Hall building,” police said in an April 28 news release.

“Pineville Police officers arrived very quickly to render life-saving procedures to the driver, however the driver passed away at the scene. There weren’t any additional people inside the vehicle and no one outside the vehicle were injured.”

The driver has been identified as Souleyman Bakayoko, 22, of Charlotte, police said.

The Honda was not being pursued by police at the time, officials said.

“This is currently a death investigation case involving the driver will be open and ongoing as we notify the next of kin,” police said.

The speed limit on Main Street in Pineville is 20 mph, police say.

Pineville is located just south of Charlotte.

This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 7:50 AM.