Motorcyclist injured in crash with SUV

ALTO, Mich. (WOOD) - A crash between a car and a motorcycle Wednesday afternoon along I-96 at the Kent-Ionia county line left the motorcyclist with a head injury and third-degree burns on his arm, an off-duty EMT who assessed the man's injuries told 24 Hour News 8.

The motorcyclist, of Lansing, was taken from the scene by ambulance to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. As of Wednesday evening, he was listed in serious condition. The EMT said he was wearing a helmet.

I-96 was initially down to one lane in each direction following the crash. As of 3:30 p.m. all lanes had reopened.

The EMT, Kathie Thomas, said she was driving past the scene when she witnessed the motorcycle explode -- she saw a ball of fire and black smoke. Thomas pulled over and ran to the scene where other passers-by had gathered to help and pull the motorcyclist away from the burning bike.

"There really wasn't a thought process, I just pulled over and started running," Thomas said.

Accident witnesses said an SUV and the motorcycle were traveling westbound on I-96 when the SUV struck the motorcycle. The passenger of the SUV driver told 24 Hour News 8 it appeared the motorcycle was trying to pass the SUV on the left -- and she suddenly heard a crash.

The driver of the SUV is from Marshall.

Alto and Saranac fire departments responded to the scene along with the Ionia County Sheriff's Department and the Michigan State Police.

Even passers-by stopped to help.

"I saw the fire and I saw the smoke, so I just pulled over right away and I saw his body ... people were having a hard time moving him, so I quick just dropped everything and tried to help him," said Josh Keeler, another who stopped to assist.

An Ionia County sheriff's deputy at the scene said the crash is under investigation.