Authorities are investigating two deadly motorcycle crashes that both happened Sunday night in San Diego County.
Just after 7 p.m., a motorcyclist crashed into a pedestrian on Del Dios Highway, just west of Date Lane, in unincorporated Rancho Santa Fe.
Officials say both the pedestrian, a 31-year-old man from Valley Center, and the motorcyclist, a 60-year-old man from Oceanside, were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the pedestrian was walking with four other people. The others told officers that they were on a nature walk in the Del Dios Highlands Preserve.
“Unfortunately, at this time in the evening, a motorcyclist doesn’t expect a pedestrian to be standing in the road,” said CHP Officer Jim Bettencourt. “There was nothing the motorcyclist could do and unfortunately, what we have is a tragic accident.”
CHP issued a Sig Alert; Del Dios Road was closed for more than three hours.
Earlier in the evening, three vehicles were involved in a crash on Mollison Avenue at Park Avenue in El Cajon.
El Cajon police tell NBC 7 the motorcycle collided with a van. Meanwhile, a truck trying to avoid them rammed into a tree.
One witness said the motorcycle flew more than 100 yards.
“I just heard the crash. I ran out the door and as soon as I do, I see the motorcycle just skidding across to that pole,” John Aguilera said.
The motorcyclist was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead, according to police. The other two drivers were not hurt.
None of the victims’ names have been released. The causes of both accidents are under investigation.
