Two on motorcycle injured in Palmetto crash with car

PALMETTO -- Two people on motorcycle were seriously injured when a car drove into their path about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The victims were northbound on U.S. 41 approaching the intersection with Haben Boulevard in Palmetto when a southbound Ford Mustang was turning left onto Haben, according to Palmetto police.

"From eyewitness testimony, the Mustang apparently turned into the path of the motorcycle," Sgt. Mike Johnston said.

Driver and passenger were thrown from the motorcycle but remained conscious and alert until paramedics arrived. They were then rushed to local hospitals. At least one victim was taken to Blake Medical Center.

Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler said the victim's injuries were serious but non-life threatening.

An officer marked the road where each victims landed and took photos. A pool of blood and a jacket that appeared to have been cut off

by paramedics were on the ground where the driver had fallen.

Northbound lanes were initially blocked as officers investigated. The left lane reopened first.

Traffic backed up on the DeSoto Bridge and into Bradenton for more than an hour until the scene was cleared of the car, motorcycle and debris. Palmetto police officers directed traffic.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 11:11 PM with the headline "Two on motorcycle injured in Palmetto crash with car ."