PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. – Two separate motorcycle crashes in Pierce County resulted in fatalities on Saturday night.
The first incident occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. on SR 162 near Orting, where a 48-year-old motorcyclist reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with five other vehicles. According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), drugs or alcohol are believed to have contributed to the crash, and the motorcyclist died at the scene.
In a second incident around 9:00 p.m., Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash on SR 507 in Roy. A 26-year-old man, giving motorcycle rides at a birthday party, was found to be speeding and drinking. His passenger, a 21-year-old woman, died as a result of the collision.
Neither occupant was wearing helmets at the time of the crashes. The driver of the motorcycle was arrested for DUI and vehicular homicide.
Emergency services responded swiftly to both incidents. WSP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crashes.
Motorcycle fatalities in Washington have reportedly increased, with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission highlighting the warmer months as particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.