ISP District 13 press release on the wreck in Washington County

WHERE: I64 East Bound at Mile Post 45.5, Washington County

WHEN: Friday, February 17, 2017 at 11:05 A.M.

VEHICLES: 2005 Harley Davidson FLH motorcycle, 2006 Harley Davidson FLT motorcycle, and 2015 Harley Davidson FLH motorcycle

RIDERS: 2005 – Arron G. Chaney, a 30 year old male of Junction City, KS – Transported via ambulance to a local hospital.
2006 – Mikhail A. Williams, a 24 year old male of Columbia, MO – Uninjured.
2015 – Brandon R. Harrison, a 33 year old male of Columbia, MO – Major Life Threatening Injuries – Flown from the scene via medical helicopter to a regional hospital.

PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate a group of motorcyclists were traveling on I64 East Bound at mile post 45.5. The vehicle in front of them slowed for an unknown reason. The motorcyclists who were riding too closely to each other within the group, were not able to react in time due to the short distances between vehicles. Three of the motorcycles within the group struck each other in a chain reaction type crash. This caused them to lose control, their respective riders to be ejected, and the motorcycles to come to rest in the median and left edge of the roadway. All involved riders were wearing helmets.

All east bound traffic on I64 was diverted off at the Okawville (Exit 41) exit while ISP Traffic Crash Reconstructionists investigated the crash. The traffic diversion lasted from shortly after the crash until approximately 3:30 P.M. when all lanes were reopened. The crash investigation continues, however no additional information will be released at this time.

CHARGES: Chaney was charged with Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Crash.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.