A big rig driver may have unknowingly struck and killed a man who had been thrown into an Escondido roadway after his motorcycle rear-ended a pickup truck Wednesday, authorities said.

The rider’s motorcycle struck the back of a pickup truck slowing for a stoplight at the intersection of East El Norte Parkway and North Rose Street around 7:20 a.m., Escondido Police Lt. Greg Kogler said.

Witnesses told police the rider was thrown to the ground and appeared to have been run over by a white long-nose semi hauling a 53-foot trailer, which then continued on its way, according to the lieutenant.

The motorcyclist died at the scene, Kogler said. His name was not immediately available.

The driver of the pickup truck involved in the initial crash was not injured. Kogler said neither alcohol nor distraction were suspected factors in the crash.

Kogler said investigators would like to speak with the tractor-trailer’s driver. The driver or anyone with additional information on the crash was asked to call (760) 839-4454.

—City News Service

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