SANTEE, Calif. (KGTV) – A motorcyclist was killed early Thursday morning after crashing into a semi-truck on state Route 52 in the Santee area, the California Highway Patrol said.
CHP officials said the crash happened just before 5:15 a.m. on westbound SR-52, near Mast Boulevard.
According to the CHP, a Honda motorcycle was traveling west when it collided with the semi, resulting in the rider being ejected from the motorcycle.
The motorcyclist, identified as a 26-year-old man from La Mesa, was pronounced dead at the scene. CHP officials said the semi-truck’s driver was not hurt in the crash.
Due to the crash and investigation, multiple westbound SR-52 lanes in the immediate area were shut down, leading to a heavy traffic backup during the busy morning commute.
ABC 10News learned several vehicles overheated due to the slowing and congestion.
Following a clean-up that involved a hazardous materials crew, all affected lanes were reopened by 8:35 a.m.
The CHP is investigating the circumstances that led to the crash; it is unknown if alcohol/drugs were a factor in the collision.
