Motorcyclist Killed In Moreno Valley Was Struck By Truck On I-215

MORENO VALLEY, CA – A motorcyclist was fatally injured today in a crash on Interstate 215 in Moreno Valley, briefly resulting in the closure of the entire northbound side of the freeway.

The fatality occurred shortly after 11 a.m. near the exit to Eucalyptus Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The victim, whose identity was not immediately released, was northbound on a 2007 Yamaha in the number one, or far left lane south of Eastridge Avenue when traffic began slowing, the CHP reported.

The rider lost control of the bike and struck the rear of a 2010 Ford Focus driven by a 25-year-old Moreno Valley man.

The motorcyclist was ejected directly into the path of a northbound 2015 Freightliner three-axle truck driven in the number two lane by a 45-year-old Moreno Valley man.

The Freightliner driver had no time to react and the truck struck the downed rider, who suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by Riverside County Fire Department paramedics.

No one else was injured, the CHP reported.

Officers shut down all northbound lanes for emergency personnel and to conduct a preliminary investigation. By 11:45 a.m., one lane had been re-opened.

A SigAlert was issued due to the miles-long backup, which stretched into Perris. According to the CHP, two lanes remained closed for about 2 1/2 hours.

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--City News Service/Image via CHP