At 12:15 p.m., 911 callers reported a motorcycle accident on Highway 18 above Lower Waterman. The motorcycle, described as black and grey, apparently hit the guardrail and came to rest at the top of the “100 mile per hour straight-away”.
The California Highway Patrol was on scene originally but turned the call over to the San Bernardino Police Department. The extent of the rider’s injuries is unknown at this time but based on a statement from the police officer at the scene, the rider was transported to the hospital.
For approximately 4 hours, the motorcycle was standing on the side of the shoulder of Highway 18 near the guardrail, and an extensive police presence was at the scene doing the investigation. Additionally, there were rumors of a hard closure at the bottom of Highway 18. The highway was closed for a few minutes while the officers took measurements but this was not an extensive closure. Additionally construction crews were working on the highway which increased the presence of cones and yellow lights as well as a very heavy traffic backup for a short time.
The cause of the accident is unknown and is still under investigation at this time.
***Update 9/29/18 – We are deeply saddened to report that the rider did pass away as a result to this accident. Paul Douglas Kirk, 25, succumbed to his injuries an hour after the accident. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1: 24 pm.
