Dirt bike riders injured, cited for reckless driving

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP — Two dirt bike riders were cited for reckless driving after an accident in Thompson Township Saturday afternoon.

Michigan State Police Troopers from the Manistique Detachment say the incident happened around 3:30 p.m. on County Road 442 west of M-94. Witnesses told police that a 20-year-old dirt bike rider from Manistique had been driving recklessly when he passed a Ford Explorer pulling a camper. A 19-year-old Manistique man on a second dirt bike was performing a wheelie as he passed the truck and camper.

He lost control and collided with the first bike. Both bikes then crashed into the ditch. The driver of the truck and camper was able to avoid hitting the riders.

Both riders were sent to Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. Police say the 19-year-old was later transported to UP Health System – Marquette for treatment of multiple hip injuries. Both drivers were cited, but police say alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the crash.

Michigan State Police were assisted by Manistique Public Safety’s ambulance and the Rapid Response ambulance service.