A motorcyclist died when he fell from his bike and into the path of an SUV and a big-rig on Interstate Highway 80 in Albany Wednesday afternoon, a California Highway Patrol officer said.
The motorcyclist was ejected from the bike while heading west on the highway near the Central Avenue off-ramp at 2:48 p.m., CHP Officer Sean Wilkenfeld said.
The rider and his bike both fell into parallel lanes of traffic and he was struck by one or both of the SUV and big-rig.
When the big-rig swerved to avoid the rider and motorcycle, the truck and tractor overturned, blocking two lanes of the highway, Wilkenfeld said.
The SUV crashed and sustained major damage. Both the SUV and big-rig drivers were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
The man riding the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene, Wilkenfeld said.
The CHP is still working to get the big-rig upright and two lanes of traffic remain closed. They are not expected to open until about 6 p.m., Wilkenfeld said.
Local
Investigators are still working to determine why the motorcyclist was ejected from the bike. Anyone who saw the crash has been asked to call the CHP at (800) TELL-CHP or (510) 450-3821.
