Motorcyclist trapped under car in Thursday night accident

A motorcyclist ended up underneath a car after a collision at the entrance to the Vicksburg National Military Park.

The motorcyclist was the only person injured in the accident, which happened about 9:15 p.m. yesterday. The motorcyclist was alert and talking with rescuers. Paramedics with the Vicksburg Fire Department used spreaders (commonly called Jaws of Life) to lift the car so the rider could be removed from underneath it. The rider was observed to be in full riding gear with his helmet on while he was trapped under the vehicle. The riding gear undoubtedly minimized his injuries.

Jeff Merritt carries the helmet of the rider away from the scene after the rider had been extricated from under the vehicle.

The car, a dark blue Dodge Charger, was turning south onto Old Highway 27 and the motorcycle was heading east on Clay Street. The motorcycle continued on without its driver for another 150 yards ending up in the median in front of the Hampton Inn.

The scene at Old Highway 27 and Clay. Family and friends of the rider were on hand.

Neither vehicle sustained significant damage. The motorcycle was loaded onto a tow truck and the Charger was driven away from the scene under its own power albeit missing the front bumper cover.

The motorcycle has minimal damage. It was loaded onto a tow truck and taken from the scene.

There was no word on the condition of the motorcyclist, but he is expected to survive his injuries.