Motorcycle rider killed in Merced County crash after tires broke off nearby trailer
A motorcycle rider was killed when tires broke off of a trailer in Merced County on Sunday, according to authorities.
At about 11:53 p.m., officers responded to the area of northbound Interstate 5, north of Canyon Road, for a report of crash involving a motorcycle and a semi-truck, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities said 56-year -old Ramiro Orozco of Los Angeles, was driving 2015 Volvo semi-truck puling a box trailer in the number two northbound lane of Interstate 5.
At the same time, a 36-year-old motorcycle rider from Pinole, was passing the slower moving truck while traveling north in the number one lane. As the motorcycle was passing, two tires reportedly broke off from the trailer and crashed into the motorcycle, according to the CHP.
The rider was ejected from the motorcycle and crashed into the roadway along Interstate 5. The CHP said the motorcycle rider who was wearing a helmet, suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to authorities, neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the crash.
