Motorcyclist dead after fiery collision with semi on Illinois Road

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A motorcyclist died Thursday after colliding with a semitrailer on a stretch of Illinois Road in southwest Fort Wayne. Dispatch confirmed there was a crash shortly before 3:30 p.m. near the intersection with Ansley Drive, not far from multiple shopping centers. Both directions of Illinois Road were closed in the area, which is a busy stretch of road even without the added factor of rush hour. Police estimated Illinois Road would be shut down until about 7:30 p.m. Video shared by viewer Adam Jarrell The initial investigation revealed the semi likely pulled out in front of the motorcycle before the rider could slow down, causing a fiery collision, a sergeant with the Fort Wayne Police Department told WANE 15. Medics tended to the motorcycle rider at the scene, but once he was taken to a hospital, he was pronounced dead. The driver of the semi was able to get out of the cab without injuries. He was still taken to a hospital and was said to be cooperating with the investigation. Viewers shared footage of the semi on fire, sending up black smoke that could be seen from afar. A public safety alert was sent out around 4 p.m. warning travelers to avoid Illinois Road between Getz and Thomas roads. According to a press release from the Fort Wayne Police Department, alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The FWPD's Fatal Crash Investigation Team and Air Support Team are processing the scene before the road will reopen. The crash remains under investigation.