OAKLAND — A motorcyclist was killed Thursday morning in a collision just west of the Bay Bridge toll plaza, resulting in lengthy traffic backups, the California Highway Patrol said.
The person killed was later identified by the coroner’s bureau as Anthony Rahgozar, 30, of Hercules.
According to the CHP, he was riding a Yamaha motorcycle about 5:30 a.m. Thursday on westbound Interstate 80 just past the metering lights near the incline to the bridge.
There was heavy traffic going between 5 and 10 mph and, according to initial reports, the motorcyclist was splitting lanes at a faster speed, the CHP said. He approached a box truck and pickup driving in adjacent lanes; it was not immediately clear if he struck either of the vehicles of if he went down on his own, the CHP said. He was ejected off the motorcycle and was run over by the box truck, the CHP said.
CHP Officer Mark Andrews said a CHP officer was on the scene within two minutes and began CPR until paramedics arrived. Rahgozar was pronounced dead at the scene.
The box truck driver remained on the scene and was cooperating with investigators, Andrews said.
A SigAlert was issued at 5:43 a.m. and the two far right traffic lanes were shut down for the investigation and removal of the body. It was lifted about 8:42 a.m., the CHP said.
Traffic on all freeways leading to the bridge was significantly delayed, with traffic on westbound I-80 backed up to Richmond, authorities said.
Andrews said the CHP is looking for potential witnesses, especially those who may have dashcam video. Anyone with information may contact Officer Noah Cornell at the CHP San Francisco office at 415-276-5300.