An unidentified man from Michigan was airlifted to Forrest General Hospital Friday afternoon after colliding with two vehicles on Highway 43 South while riding a motorcycle.
The man, identified as Aaron Larson, 33, of Michigan, was traveling east on Highway 43 at 3:17 p.m. on a motorcycle at a high rate of speed when he collided with the rear passenger side of a black sedan, Picayune Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said.
The sedan and a red truck were in the center turn lane facing west on Highway 43, attempting to turn onto Stafford Road, Magri said. When the black sedan attempted to make the turn in front of the motorcycle, it was struck and spun 180-degrees, Magri said.
The motorcycle then impacted the truck, causing the driver to be ejected from the motorcycle and slide underneath the truck. He traveled about 80 yards before coming to a stop, Magri said.
The motorcycle caught fire and the truck was forced to back away to prevent further damage. The Picayune Fire Department arrived on scene as well as emergency personnel and stabilized the motorcyclist as best they could, Magri said. Rescue Five from Mobile arrived to the scene within 17 minutes of being called and transported the driver to Forrest General Hospital, Magri said. The driver of the motorcycle sustained severe trauma, but the drivers of the other vehicles were unharmed.
The status of the motorcyclist was unavailable at press time.