Motorcyclist hurt after crash involving turkeys near Snelling, says CHP

A motorcyclist was transported to a hospital with major injuries following a crash near Snelling, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers responded to a report of a traffic collision involving two motorcycles on Merced Falls Road, east of La Grange Road at about 4:25 p.m. Sunday, the CHP said.

According to Officer Michael Flores, a group of about five motorcycles was riding westbound on Merced Falls Road when turkeys reportedly crossed the road in front of the lead motorcycle, causing the 66-year-old male rider from Stockton to brake suddenly.

Flores said a 70-year-old man from Hayward, riding behind the lead motorcycle was unable to stop in time. His motorcycle collided with the rear of the lead motorcycle, causing both riders to be ejected, according to the CHP.

Flores said both riders lost consciousness as a result of the collision. The 70-year-old man was flown to an area hospital with major injuries, while the 66-year-old man suffered minor injuries and was not transported, according to authorities.

No other riders or vehicles were involved in the collision, the CHP said.

Neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision, which remains under investigation, according to the CHP.

This story was originally published June 1, 2020 at 1:06 PM.