A deadly chain-reaction crash involving a motorcycle shut down Loop 101 (Price Freeway) at U.S. 60. Saturday night.
According to the Department of Public Safety, at 9:23 p.m., there was a collision on Loop 101 that killed 49-year-old Michael G. Salinel of Gilbert.
Officials said Salinel was killed after being hit by two vehicles on the 101.
According to investigators, the chain-reaction crash began when a vehicle cut off another vehicle that was traveling southbound on the 101 just south of the 60, causing the vehicle that was cut-off to lose control and hit a center median wall, DPS said. The vehicle, which was carrying a family of six, was then facing the wrong way of traffic when it came to its resting spot.
At that point, Salinel who was traveling on the 101 attempted to stop to avoid the wrong-way vehicle and slowed down, but was then rear-ended by another vehicle that did not realize the motorcyclist had reduced his speed. Salinel, and the car behind him, struck the vehicle that was blocking the roadway. Salinel was pinned between both cars, DPS said.
The family of six was transported to hospitals with minor injuries. DPS said Salinel was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
The driver who allegedly started the chain-reaction crash did not stay on the scene, and a description of the vehicle was not released, but officials believe that vehicle has some side damage. Any information on the vehicle that left or any witnesses that saw the original collision are encouraged to call DPS at (602) 223-2212.
Loop 101 remained closed at the crash site through most of Saturday night, but reopened early Sunday morning.
