Fatal Dirt Bike Collision at Smith River Yesterday

According to scanner traffic, an accident occurred near Mouth of Smith River Road in Del Norte County at approximately 6:42 p.m. on September 23, when a dirt bike collided with an unknown vehicle, resulting in a crash that left the motorcycle fully engulfed in flames. Emergency responders arrived on the scene after multiple callers reported the incident.

Witnesses stated that the motorcycle exploded, and one individual was found lying in the middle of the roadway, presumed deceased. Please note that it is unclear from the scanner report whether there was one or two riders involved.

Both lanes of traffic were blocked, and Caltrans was called to divert vehicles to Oceanview Drive as emergency crews worked to secure the scene. Around 7:07 p.m., a fatality was confirmed, and a coroner was en route. No additional patients were reported to emergency dispatch.

An evidence tow was requested for a Jeep Wrangler, with four good tires, and the burned motorcycle.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the decedent’s family and friends.

Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.