A 59-year-old Hollister man died Wednesday after his motorcycle
collided head-on with a Hummer truck on Airline Highway south of
Bolado Road, and the accident caused a wild fire that spread to 70
acres before it was contained about three hours later, according to
authorities.
A 59-year-old Hollister man died Wednesday after his motorcycle collided head-on with a Hummer truck on Airline Highway south of Bolado Road, and the accident caused a wild fire that spread to 70 acres before it was contained about three hours later, according to authorities.
The accident happened around 4:40 p.m. when a southbound 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle driven by the Hollister man crossed the double-yellow line and struck the 1995 Hummer. The victim, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead immediately when American Medical Response first arrived, according to a California Highway Patrol spokesman.
The 61-year-old male driving the northbound Hummer had been visiting from France but also has an address in Los Gatos, said Officer Jamie Rios with the CHP.
Following the accident a wild fire ignited and spread rapidly, according to Calfire, which was joined by San Benito County paid-call firefighters in extinguishing the flames. It grew to 70 acres before the 70 or so firefighters contained it at about 7:30 p.m., while there were on structures damaged, according to Calfire.
The sheriff’s office also responded, as the coroner, to transport the body, Rios said. It is unknown whether drugs or alcohol played a role, and the CHP is continuing to investigate. The motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet, according to the CHP.
