Man in critical condition after 3 motorcycles crash on I-94 westbound

By Lee Higgins Crime and courts reporter

Posted on Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 7:08 a.m.

A Novi man is in critical condition after 3 motorcycles crashed Tuesday night on I-94 westbound in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan State Police said.

Twenty motorcyclists were riding together on the interstate near Rawsonville Road, when one lost control of his steering, going into what he described as a "high speed wobble" at 9:48 p.m., Trooper Tom Proffitt said.

The rider hit one motorcycle and then was struck by another motorcycle, Proffitt said. The 42-year-old man riding the motorcycle that struck the rider who lost control was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in critical condition.

The other two men were not injured, Profitt said. Two motorcycle clubs were riding together, returning from a funeral, Proffitt said.

Troopers say speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors. The motorcycles were traveling an estimated 65-70 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone, Proffitt said.

Proffitt said he did not know whether the injured man was wearing a helmet.

The crash prompted police to shut down two westbound lanes for several hours.