BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Washington State Patrol WSP released the results of their initial investigation into the crash involving a motorcyclist that resulted in shutting down lanes of southbound and northbound I-5 through Bellingham for hours on Wednesday afternoon, December 6th.
According to a press memo from the WSP late Wednesday, the motorcyclist was riding a 2012 BMW R1200 motorcycle southbound on I-5 in the area of the Sunset Drive interchange when he attempted to “split the lanes” occupied by other vehicles. The motorcyclist ended up striking a 2020 Toyota Prius hatchback and a 2015 Hyundai Elantra sedan. The motorcyclist was then ejected over the Jersey barrier and came to rest in the left northbound lane where he was struck by a 2015 Subaru WRX.
The cause of the crash is cited as the unsafe lane change and it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
The motorcyclist, identified as Michael R Hammond, age 33 and of Bellingham, was wearing a helmet and all occupants of the other vehicles were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
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According to the press memo, the motorcyclist was transported to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center. According to WSP Trooper Kelsey Harding, he was then transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle due to the extent of his injuries.
The occupants of the other vehicles were not injured.
The crash occurred about 12:50pm and both southbound lanes and 1 northbound lane were closed between Sunset Drive and Lakeway Drive until shortly after 3pm.
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