Two killed in separate traffic crashes today

Monday, March 7, 2005 | 11 a.m.

A motorcyclist hit the back of a pickup truck and a gravel truck hit a car this morning in separate collisions that killed two people, Metro Police said.

The victims are not believed to be at fault in either wreck, Sgt. Tracy McDonald said.

The first collision occurred about 5:15 a.m. on Paradise Road just north of Flamingo Road. A man on a motorcycle was heading north on Paradise when a pickup truck pulled out of a private drive and made a quick U-turn, cutting off the motorcyclist, McDonald said.

The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, was unable to stop and slid under the truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene, McDonald said. The driver was cited for making an improper turn.

Another fatal collision occurred just after 7 a.m. at Craig Road and Rancho Drive. A man driving a Buick Le Sabre was making a left from Rancho onto Craig when a gravel truck ran a red light and hit the car on the driver's side.

The driver of the Buick was pronounced dead at the scene. He was alone in the car. Police were still investigating that collision this morning. McDonald said the truck driver is expected to be cited.