Dutch motorcyclist killed after running into back of semi on US-6 in Emery County

WOODSIDE, Utah (KUTV) — A 57-year-old man from the Netherlands was killed after officials said he failed to slow down for a semi and slammed into the back of the trailer in Emery County.

The crash happened on US Route 6 about 10 miles west of Woodside near Horse Canyon, off mile marker 268 around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Officials with the Utah Department of Public Safety said the man was riding a BMW cross country motorcycle westbound on US-6.

The road where he was driving included a steep uphill climb. A semi hauling a tanker was in the same lane and driver a slower speed.

Investigators said the semi had it's hazard lights on, but the motorcycle rider failed to realize the truck's slower speed.

The motorcycle ran into the back of the tanker.

Debris from the crash caused minor damage to another car passing by at the same time.

The motorcyclist was killed in the crash. The semi driver was not hurt.

Officials said there were no weather issues at the time - and the road was clear of obstructions.

Both directions of the highway were initially closed as crews worked at the scene. There was an oil and gas leak from the motorcycle that investigators initially thought were hazardous materials from the semi.

Westbound lanes were closed for about an hour before one lane was opened.

The road has since reopened.

The motorcyclist’s identity was not released.

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