The Lost Coast Outpost is receiving numerous reports of a multi-vehicle accident near Manila involving a motorcycle. Currently State Route 255 is closed in the area to allow emergency vehicles the access needed. 

We’ll be updating as soon as possible. Follow CHP dispatch here for the most current updates.

UPDATE 4:53 p.m.: Only the southbound traffic is closed.

UPDATE 5:52 p.m.: Both lanes of 255 are currently closed for about one mile. Channel 3 News is reporting that the motorcyclist was speeding and being chased by law enforcement when it crashed into another vehicle.  The motorcyclist was sent to the hospital with major injuries.

UPDATE 7 p.m.: The roadway is now open.

UPDATE, 8:52 p.m.: Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

VEHICLE PURSUIT LEADS TO MAJOR INJURY TRAFFIC COLLISION ON SR-255

On March 17, 2014, at 4:03 pm, a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted a traffic stop a 2011 Suzuki GSXR 1000 motorcycle for no license plate near the Samoa Cookhouse in Samoa, CA. When the red lights and siren came on, the motorcyclist fled northbound on SR-255 toward Manila and Arcata, CA, reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph.  The deputy lost sight of the motorcycle and discontinued the pursuit.  However, one minute later, the deputy came around a curve on SR-255 at Dean Street / Pacific Avenue in Manila, CA, and found that the motorcycle had collided with a 2008 Toyota Scion driven by 17 year old Elizabeth Jackson of Eureka, CA.  

Jackson was northbound making a left turn at the intersection when Arcani attempted to pass Jackson by driving to the left of the double yellow lines.  The motorcycle collided with the left side of the Toyota.  Arcani sustained major injuries after being fully ejected from the motorcycle, and was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka, CA.  Jackson sustained a very minor injury.

SR-255 at the intersection of Dean Street and Pacific Avenue was closed until 6:42 pm.

Personnel and equipment from Mad River Ambulance, Arcata Volunteer Fire Department, Manila Volunteer Fire Department and CalTrans responded and assisted CHP officers with scene management.

DUI as a factor in this collision remains under investigation by the CHP.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation for the pursuit.

UPDATE 7:37 a.m.: CHP Spokesperson Matt Harvey released the information that 20 year old Dillon Arcani of Samoa succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. 

UPDATE 8:02 a.m.:

CHP Press Release:

UPDATE: 20 year old Dillon Arcani of Samoa, CA, who was driving the motorcycle at the time of the collision, was pronounced deceased at the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Room the evening of March 17th.