Motorcyclist Ejected Off Pines To Palms Highway, Airlifted To Hospital

ANZA, CA — A motorcyclist careened off the switchback roadway between Anza and Palm Desert, requiring a helicopter rescue early Tuesday, Cal Fire/ Riverside County Fire Department said.

The rider, a 25-year-old Utah man, lost control of his motorcycle for reasons that are still under investigation, according to California Highway Patrol officer Jonathan Torres.

Both he and the bike slid down the mountainside, 50 feet below the roadway. He suffered major injuries in the crash, Torres said.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter airlifted the injured rider, whose name was not released. He was transferred to a landing zone and a waiting Air transport helicopter, according to Cal Fire spokesperson Karina Espinoza.

He was then flown to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment, according to Torres.

The cause of the crash remained under CHP investigation, and alcohol or drug use was not suspected as a cause.