A motorcyclist was killed in Escondido Wednesday morning after he rear-ended a pickup truck and was thrown off his motorcycle into oncoming traffic, officials said.
The deadly accident happened around 7:20 a.m., just before rush hour, in the 1600 block of East El Norte Parkway.
Investigators said the motorcyclist failed to stop for traffic slowing for the light at the intersection of Rose Street and El Norte Parkway and crashed into a truck in front of him.
The impact caused him to fly off his motorcycle into traffic. A semi-truck then rolled over the motorcyclist with its rear wheel, Escondido police said.
The motorcyclist died at the scene.
The driver of the truck, unaware that he was involved in the fatal crash, drove away, according to police. Investigators searched nearby businesses where they knew tractor trailers came often and found the truck. They discovered evidence that linked it to the crash scene, they said.
Because the driver did not realize he hit someone, no charges will be filed in this case.
Police shut down traffic in both directions on El Norte Parkway following the accident. The road was closed for several hours. All traffic lanes had reopened by 10:30 a.m.
The victim’s name was not immediately released. No one else was injured in the incident.
The investigation is ongoing. Police do not believe alcohol or distracted driving contributed to the collision. Anyone with information should contact the Escondido Police Department at (760) 743-8477.
