Motorcyclists injured after hitting an alligator on Florida highway
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Motorcyclists passing by an alligator, which appears to be stationary in the middle of the road.
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM CRYSTAL PEREZ/FACEBOOK
Two motorcyclists were injured in Orange City, Florida, after they hit a 1.8m alligator that had strayed onto a major highway, American media outlets reported.
Both bikers – identified in reports as a 67-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman – were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries after they veered off Interstate 4 on May 31.
Footage of the incident uploaded on social media shows motorcyclists passing by the alligator, which was lying in the middle of the road.
Two motorcycles are later seen off the highway, with other motorcyclists rushing to provide assistance. A man is also seen lying on his back on the grass.
The alligator is seen with blood on its snout.
The male biker, identified by CBS News as Mr Cameron Gilmore, told the news outlet that he saw the alligator about 3m away and knew he would hit it, but did not have time to react.
Mr Gilmore added that he was thrown off his motorcycle after hitting the animal and a tree. According to CBS News, he suffered road rash and broken bones in his foot.
There was no report of the female biker’s injuries.
American magazine People reported that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was called to assist with the alligator, which was injured but survived.
It also said that the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
