Speeding Motorcyclist Seriously Injured In Lake Elsinore I-15 Crash

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A 21-year-old motorcyclist who was speeding on northbound Interstate 15 Monday afternoon in Lake Elsinore was seriously injured after crashing his bike on the freeway, according to details released Tuesday morning by the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP's preliminary report showed that around 1:30 p.m. the motorcyclist from Ventura was riding his BMW S1000 bike at approximately 100-115 mph in moderate traffic, straddling the #1 and #2 lanes, just north of Railroad Canyon Road.

The rider rapidly came up on a Hyundai Elantra that was traveling in the #1 lane at about 60 mph. The motorcyclist failed to safely slow down or pass the Elantra, causing the front of his bike to rear-end the car, according to the CHP.

The motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and propelled into the backend of a Chevrolet Equinox SUV that was traveling in the # 2 lane. The motorcyclist landed in the #2 lane and motorists were able to avoid hitting him, the CHP report showed.

The BMW bike, meanwhile, ricocheted off a Toyota Tacoma, then landed in the center median where it burst into flames, the report continued.

The motorcyclist was transported by ground ambulance to Wildomar's Inland Valley Hospital with major injuries. No other motorists were hurt, according to the CHP.

The multi-vehicle wreck led to a SigAlert and extensive traffic jam after the northbound #1, #2, and #3 lanes were temporarily closed.

The CHP, Temecula Area office was continuing to investigate the crash.

"The CHP would like to remind the motoring public to always be mindful of your speed when driving," CHP Officer Mike Lassig said. "Speed is the #1 cause of traffic collisions."