Adrian Hedden

The Republic | azcentral.com

A24-year-old man was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle Thursday night, leading to a chain-reaction accident on U.S. 60 near Country Club Drive in Mesa, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The motorcyclist, heading east on U.S. 60, crashed his bike into a Mercedes-Benz at 11:54 p.m., laying it down in traffic. Two other vehicles struck the motorcycle and driver,according to Bart Graves, DPS public information officer.

Graves said other drivers slammed on their brakes when approaching the accident, causing a string of collisions. The Mercedes was rear-ended by a vehicle that also was rear-ended, Graves said. No other injuries were reported, he said.

Eastbound lanes were closed until about 6:30 a.m. Friday, Graves said, as DPS investigators inspected the scene to find the cause of the accident. He said traffic was light when the crash occurred and that alcohol did not appear to be a factor. Graves said the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet.

“There are a number of motorcycle fatalities that happen across the state every year,” Graves said. “We always advise the motorcyclists wear a helmet. But drivers also need to be aware of them. They (motorcyclists) have the ability to dart in and out of traffic when it slows.”

All vehicles were directed off the freeway at Country Club Drive, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Westbound lanes were not affected.

The investigation was continuing, Graves said.