Crash puts motorcycle rider in critical condition

A motorcyclist fought for his life Tuesday evening after crashing into a produce truck at Placentia Avenue and Joann Street in Costa Mesa.

David Chambers, 19, suffered life-threatening injuries to his head and upper body at about 3:10 p.m., police said. Witnesses told investigators Chambers was speeding north on Placentia Avenue when the truck driver began turning from Joann to southbound Placentia, police said.

Chambers tried to stop, but locked up his brakes and laid the his Yamaha R6 down. He slammed into the truck’s side anyway. The truck’s driver, Alberto Illescas of Los Angeles, said he saw Chambers, but he couldn’t swerve out of the way in time, police said. Illescas was not injured.

Paramedics rushed him to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana. Chambers wore a full-faced helmet, but it wasn’t enough to protect him from the head injuries, police said.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the accident.

— Joseph Serna