Lanes Reopen After CHP Pursuit, Fatal Motorcyclist Crash On Bay Bridge
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A California Highway Patrol pursuit of motorcyclist ended in a fatal crash on the Bay Bridge early Tuesday, shutting down three westbound lanes for four hours as crews worked to clear the accident.
The Tuesday morning crash initially closed three westbound and triggered a massive commute backup heading into San Francisco.
The pursuit ensued at about 7:35 a.m. after a motorcycle officer tried to stop the motorcyclist for a bus lane violation in the westbound lanes in the area of the toll plaza, CHP Officer Bert Diaz said.
The motorcyclist, a man whose name has not yet been released, fled west but then crashed just east of Fremont Street on the San Francisco side of the bridge.
He then succumbed to his injuries, Diaz said.
The crash initially shut down the three left lanes of the highway, but the No. 3 lane has since reopened, Diaz said as of 8:30 a.m.
No other injuries were reported in the pursuit and crash.
CHP said all lanes were reopened shortly after 11:30 a.m. Drivers were told to expect residual delays on the span that were continuing well after 12:30 p.m.
BART said it was adding trains to help commuters get across the Bay.
**^UPDATE: Motorcyclist who died in the crash was being chased by a CHP Motorcycle Officer when he crashed. The CHP said he had illegally taken the bus lane on the Bay Bridge, which is why the pursuit began. Crash closes much of WB Bay Bridge.
Posted by Anne Makovec - KPIX 5 on Tuesday, April 30, 2019