Motorcycle Driver Dies After Collision With Crane On Tulsa Highway

Police shut down part of northbound Highway 169 due to a fatal motorcycle wreck Thursday afternoon.

The wreck involved a crane and a motorcycle and happened in the northbound lanes between 61st Street and 51st Street.

Police said their investigation shows a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle was going north on Highway 169 when the 72-year-old driver saw traffic ahead of him had stopped.

They said the driver tried to stop but the motorcycle started to wobble. Witnesses said the driver lost control, crashed onto the highway, slid across the left lane and hit the center concrete barrier.

Police said the driver also slid into the left lane. They said the driver of a large crane tried to stop and swerved but couldn't avoid hitting the motorcycle driver.

They said the motorcycle driver suffered serious leg and internal injuries. He was transported to the hospital where he later died.

The name of the victim has not been released.

Police said there is currently no evidence to indicate the driver of the crane committed any traffic violations, but said they will continue to investigate.

Right after the wreck, video from the Osage Casino SkyCam Network showed a major traffic backup. Some vehicles exited the highway by driving down an embankment.

Tulsa Police shut down the northbound lanes and forced traffic to exit at 61st Street. One lane was re-opened around 3:30 p.m.