According to the Las Cruces Sun-News, a motorcyclist was involved in a serious accident after crashing into metal tubing being hauled by a forklift in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Thursday.
Bobby Bates, 59, was riding his motorcycle northbound on Harrelson Street when the accident happened. Near the 3400 block, Bates was struck by a 40-foot section of metal tubing that was being transported by a forklift. The tubing was sticking out into the lane of traffic when Bates was hit.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that Bates suffered from severe head trauma and was airlifted to University Medical Center in El Paso. Officials say the man was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The forklift operator was not injured in the crash.
Officials have determined alcohol did not play a role in the injury accident, according to the Las Cruces Sun-News. The crash is still under investigation, and citations are pending.
The following information is provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):