Aron213
09-12-2007, 04:53 PM
Motorcycle rider killed in collision with minivan
BY AUSTIN L. MILLER
Star-Banner
OCALA - A 27-year-old man riding a motorcycle was killed in an accident Tuesday afternoon when his bike struck a minivan on Northwest 61st Lane.
The 1994 Suzuki collided with the 1989 Chevrolet minivan and sent the rider crashing through a side window of the vehicle, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers and the driver of the van.
Marion County Fire-Rescue officials had to remove the back doors to gain access to the motorcycle rider. Kenneth Martin III, 27, of Ocala, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Suzuki lay in the roadway about five yards away from the van.
Fire-Rescue spokeswoman Heather Danenhower said they were dispatched at 4:12 p.m. and arrived on scene eight minutes later.
Troopers said the man's death was the 50th traffic-related fatality in Marion County this year.
The crash, which occurred at the intersection of Northwest 61st Lane and Northwest 48th Avenue, prevented motorists from traveling on Northwest 61st Avenue. Those on the roadway had to detour onto Northwest 48th Avenue.
Robbie Jantzen, the driver of the 1989 Chevrolet minivan, said he was traveling west on Northwest 61st Lane when he pulled over to the shoulder in an attempt to make a U-turn.
Jantzen said he checked his mirrors before making the turn. At the time, he said, the road was clear. Jantzen said he saw the motorcycle as he turned around.
"I tried to hit the gas to get out of the way, but he hit the van," said Jantzen, walking with a cane to support himself because of back pain.
"He turned right into me. I mean, he was flying," Jantzen said.
Eric Graham, a passenger in the van, agreed with him. "The way was clear," Graham said. "He had to be going about 100 mph or more."
Both Jantzen and the accident victim are from Ocala, troopers said. The investigation was continuing Tuesday evening.
BY AUSTIN L. MILLER
Star-Banner
OCALA - A 27-year-old man riding a motorcycle was killed in an accident Tuesday afternoon when his bike struck a minivan on Northwest 61st Lane.
The 1994 Suzuki collided with the 1989 Chevrolet minivan and sent the rider crashing through a side window of the vehicle, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers and the driver of the van.
Marion County Fire-Rescue officials had to remove the back doors to gain access to the motorcycle rider. Kenneth Martin III, 27, of Ocala, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Suzuki lay in the roadway about five yards away from the van.
Fire-Rescue spokeswoman Heather Danenhower said they were dispatched at 4:12 p.m. and arrived on scene eight minutes later.
Troopers said the man's death was the 50th traffic-related fatality in Marion County this year.
The crash, which occurred at the intersection of Northwest 61st Lane and Northwest 48th Avenue, prevented motorists from traveling on Northwest 61st Avenue. Those on the roadway had to detour onto Northwest 48th Avenue.
Robbie Jantzen, the driver of the 1989 Chevrolet minivan, said he was traveling west on Northwest 61st Lane when he pulled over to the shoulder in an attempt to make a U-turn.
Jantzen said he checked his mirrors before making the turn. At the time, he said, the road was clear. Jantzen said he saw the motorcycle as he turned around.
"I tried to hit the gas to get out of the way, but he hit the van," said Jantzen, walking with a cane to support himself because of back pain.
"He turned right into me. I mean, he was flying," Jantzen said.
Eric Graham, a passenger in the van, agreed with him. "The way was clear," Graham said. "He had to be going about 100 mph or more."
Both Jantzen and the accident victim are from Ocala, troopers said. The investigation was continuing Tuesday evening.