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Motorcyclist Killed After Being Thrown Under Semi Trailer On I-70

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) – A motorcyclist was killed Monday morning on Interstate 70 when he collided with a semi-truck.

The crash occurred on the interstate between Airport Boulevard and Tower Road at approximately 11:18 a.m.

According to Jeff Turner with Aurora police, two motorcycles were traveling eastbound on the interstate where the road narrows to one lane due to construction.

"The initial investigation revealed that the adult male riders were trying to pass a semi-tractor trailer," Turner said in a statement. "The riders' handlebars touched causing one motorcycle to veer to the left where it struck two orange construction zone barrels used to direct traffic."

Turner said the rider lost control of his motorcycle and was thrown under the rear trailer wheels of the semi.

The rider, who hasn't been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other rider and the truck driver weren't injured.

"Excessive speed for conditions (construction zone) is suspected on the part of the motorcyclists and neither was wearing a helmet. Both had helmets strapped to their bikes," Turner said.

The rider who was killed was determined to be at fault and no charges are expected to be filed in the case.

Turner said the motorcyclists were related and from out of state.
https://twitter.com/AuroraPD/statuses/458302220505595904
Eastbound I-70 had to be closed for the investigation. It was expected to be reopened just after 5 p.m.

"We remind drivers to slow down in construction zones due to the higher density of vehicles and limited space to maneuver. It is spring and motorcyclists are riding, please watch for each other," Turner said.

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