The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

September 12, 2009

Two motorcycle wrecks reported

By Amelia A. Pridemore

Two motorcyclists were injured Saturday afternoon — at the same general Fayette County location and within about 90 minutes, authorities said.

The first accident on U.S. 60 on Gauley Mountain was reported around 1 p.m. Cpl. R.A. Spearen of the State Police’s Gauley Bridge detachment said a 59-year-old man from Eleanor was driving a Yamaha V-Star down an incline and went through a small, grassy patch.

The man then hit a ditchline and a large rock inside it, Spearen said. The motorcycle flipped and landed on top of the rider.

Spearen said the man, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, was alert and speaking before being flown to Charleston Area Medical Center via Health Net helicopter. The man’s leg appeared to be badly injured.

The second motorcycle accident in the same area was reported around 2:30 p.m. Fayette County sheriff’s Deputy P.J. Pack said Paul Metzinger, 41, of Westfield, Ind., was driving a Harley-Davidson westbound on U.S. 60 and on Gauley Mountain.

Near the Hawk’s Nest State Park golf course, Metzinger entered a slow curve, and he lost control of his bike, Pack said. Metzinger then went across the center line. A woman driving an eastbound pickup truck saw the motorcycle coming toward her and tried to slow down. But Metzinger struck her driver’s side front corner.

Metzinger was able to walk after the accident, and he initially declined medical treatment, Pack said. However, he later said he had trouble with his vision. He was taken to a local hospital.

No citations were issued in this accident.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com

Text Only
Local News