A New York man reached speeds of up to 120 mph before his motorcycle hit a pothole or crack in the pavement on Interstate 394 in Minneapolis, throwing him from the bike in a deadly accident.
The crash happened around 10 p.m. Tuesday near Wirth Parkway. The Minnesota State Patrol identified the motorcyclist as 30-year-old Anand Baskaran of East Northport, N.Y. A second motorcyclist, also speeding up to 120 mph, fled the scene after the crash.
The preliminary accident report indicated Baskaran hit a pothole, but witnesses from 3 different cars said it was more of a crack in the pavement. Those witnesses said the two motorcycles were weaving in and out of traffic, and the State Patrol said, at those speeds, it doesn't take much to lose control of a motorcycle.
"Having a speed that fast is just a recipe for disaster," Lt. Jason Bartell said bluntly.
Witnesses said Baskaran was wearing a helmet while speeding down Interstate 394, but the first people to reach the scene of the crash -- including a trooper -- found no helmet on his head. A helmet was later recovered at the scene.
The State Patrol would like to interview the second motorcyclist, but they have very limited information. Witnesses said he was wearing a helmet and possibly riding a black Honda CBR sport-style motorcycle, 2008-2010 model year.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said this is the first motorcycle-related death of the year and the second-earliest ever recorded.
RETAILERS, RIDERS RECOMMEND PATIENCE
At the Hitching Post in Hopkins, motorcyle sales are picking up as the temperature rises -- but the sales staff will still insist new owners take them home on a trailer for now.
"My theory is: The snow is gone -- I have to have at least two good rains," Steve Davis said.
Experienced riders say traction is what keeps them the most cautious, and the road conditions right now can't deliver.
"The sand and the gravel underneath the tires acts like tiny ball bearings," Davis said. "It does make it far more slippery."
Saturday, May 2 2015 12:14 PM EDT2015-05-02 16:14:57 GMT
Photo from Instagram
A 20-year-old woman from Le Sueur, Minn. is missing after last known to be camping Thursday on a sand bar on the Minnesota River. Multiple agencies are searching for her by boat in the river today.
A 20-year-old woman from Le Sueur, Minn. is missing after last known to be camping Thursday on a sand bar on the Minnesota River. Multiple agencies are searching for her by boat in the river today.
Friday, May 1 2015 7:15 PM EDT2015-05-01 23:15:48 GMT
Credit: Schure Media Group
As dusk fell over Minnesota on Wednesday, many watched details surrounding Freddie Gray's death unfold, while a message resounded from Paisley Park's soundstage. Prince and 3rdEyeGirl are in peaceful protest.
As dusk fell over Minnesota on Wednesday, many watched details surrounding Freddie Gray's death unfold, while a message resounded from Paisley Park's soundstage. Prince and 3rdEyeGirl are in peaceful protest.
Friday, May 1 2015 5:32 PM EDT2015-05-01 21:32:48 GMT
Southwest High School students lie down at the intersection of 50th and Lyndale before continuing to Washburn High School for a Black Lives Matter walkout and rally. Photo by Rob Olson / Fox 9.
High school students in Minneapolis and St. Paul walked out of class Friday morning to join a May Day rally organized by Black Lives Matter. They marched peacefully through the streets of southwest Minneapolis, chanting and singing, and even staging a brief "die-in" at 50th Street and Lyndale Avenue.
High school students in Minneapolis and St. Paul walked out of class Friday morning to join a May Day rally organized by Black Lives Matter. They marched peacefully through the streets of southwest Minneapolis, chanting and singing, and even staging a brief "die-in" at 50th Street and Lyndale Avenue.
Friday, May 1 2015 7:48 AM EDT2015-05-01 11:48:01 GMT
For the past few months, there have been a few unusual tips flowing into the Fox 9 newsroom. People have been spotting a ninja roaming the city of Mound, Minn.
For the past few months, there have been a few unusual tips flowing into the Fox 9 newsroom. People have been spotting a ninja roaming the city of Mound, Minn.
Saturday, May 2 2015 12:07 AM EDT2015-05-02 04:07:13 GMT
Baltimore's chief prosecutor Marilyn Mosby announced Friday that Freddie Gray's death in police custody has been ruled a homicide. Mosby made the announcement during a press conference, where she also revealed the findings of the internal police investigation and the charges that have been filed against the six officers involved in his arrest.
Baltimore's chief prosecutor Marilyn Mosby announced Friday that Freddie Gray's death in police custody has been ruled a homicide. Mosby made the announcement during a press conference, where she also revealed the findings of the internal police investigation and the charges that have been filed against the six officers involved in his arrest.
Saturday, May 2 2015 10:45 AM EDT2015-05-02 14:45:56 GMT
A 20-year-veteran of the Polk County Sheriff's Office who is accused of sexually assaulting female inmates appeared in court today, his wife standing by his side.
A 20-year-veteran of the Polk County Sheriff's Office who is accused of sexually assaulting female inmates appeared in court today, his wife standing by his side.
Wednesday, April 29 2015 10:42 PM EDT2015-04-30 02:42:26 GMT
Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick (Photo credit: Mike Brue
Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick was killed in the line of duty on July 30, 2014. In an emotional interview with Fox 9's Tom Lyden, his widow reveals the man's private war against his own department.
Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick was killed in the line of duty on July 30, 2014. In an emotional interview with Fox 9's Tom Lyden, his widow reveals the man's private war against his own department.
Saturday, May 2 2015 12:07 AM EDT2015-05-02 04:07:12 GMT
Six Baltimore Police Department officers will face charges in the death of Freddie Gray, State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced Friday. Charges against them range from second-degree murder to assault and misconduct in office, and all six of the officers are now in police custody.
Six Baltimore Police Department officers will face charges in the death of Freddie Gray, State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced Friday. Charges against them range from second-degree murder to assault and misconduct in office, and all six of the officers are now in police custody.
Tuesday, April 28 2015 8:33 AM EDT2015-04-28 12:33:23 GMT
With the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, Ross Sveback thought it would be fun to break down the key ingredients and tools one needs to make the perfect Mint Julep.
With the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, Ross Sveback thought it would be fun to break down the key ingredients and tools one needs to make the perfect Mint Julep.
