A motorcyclist that caused a chain reaction crash on Interstate 15 near Fallbrook was lane splitting moments before the deadly wreck, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials said.
The crash happened at approximately 3:40 p.m. Monday on I-15 north near State Route 76 when the 59-year-old Murrieta resident was riding his Yamaha motorcycle, CHP Officer Mark Latulippe said.
At the time, the man, who has not been identified, was splitting lanes between the number 3 and number 4 lanes, Latulippe said.
CHP officials are still investigating what exactly led up to the crash. At some point, the motorcyclist struck the back of a Toyota Corolla in the number 3 lane.
The impact of that crash sent the Murrieta resident through the air, Latulippe said. He landed further up the lane.
As he landed in the lane, a Ford F150 in the same lane veered into the number 4 lane to avoid him.
The Ford crashed into the back of a Honda Civic in the lane, pushing it into the back of a Volvo tractor and semi-trailer in the same lane.
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The motorcyclist was taken to Palomar Medical Center, where he died as a result of his injuries.
The driver of the Civic was also taken to Palomar Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries.
Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in this crash.
The crash is under investigation.
No further information is available.