Here’s what’s been learned about this fatal collision that took a man’s life Friday morning in outer East Portland, and snarled commute traffic near Portland International Airport …
After a motorcyclist and a semi-truck crashed on NE Airport Way, at the I-205 interchange, Portland Police officers respond to the scene.
By David F. Ashton
Before dawn on Thursday, December 11, a motorcycle rider and semi-truck collided on NE Airport Way at the I-205 interchange, smashing the bike and throwing the rider to the ground.
Portland Police Bureau (PPB) North Precinct officers who were dispatched at 6:06 a.m. arrived to find the injured rider. The adult male motorcycle rider was taken to a local hospital with what were believed to be life-threatening injuries.
Officers come across smashed motorcycle, and a badly injured rider.
The PPB’s Major Crash Team arrived to investigate the collision. During that investigation, NE Airport Way was closed both directions under the freeway overpass — but the I-205 ramps in all directions remained open.
The driver of the tractor-trailer remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Officers found that the traffic signals at the intersection were not functioning.
Portland Fire & Rescue firefighter/paramedics remain on the scene as the investigation gets underway.
At 9:19 a.m., Major Crash Team members were notified that the motorcyclist died at the hospital.
If you have information about this crash – especially “dash-cam” video of it – and have not already spoken to police, e-mail it to crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov Attn: TIU and refer to Case No. 25-338413.
This is the 42nd traffic related fatality in the City of Portland in 2025, and the eighth involving a motorcyclist – another unfortunate statistic retarding the objectives of the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Vision Zero program.
Photos courtesy of KGW-TV Channel 8 News
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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