Tapoco – A motorcyclist was flown to a trauma center Friday, following an accident in Graham County on Friday.
The accident occurred early in the afternoon on Hwy. 129, near Tapoco Lodge. Details on how the accident happened were not available, but Graham County EMS personnel confirmed that the victim would be transported to a trauma center and that he was from out-of-state. The victim was also confirmed to be a 27-year-old male.
Communications heard over the emergency scanner seemed to indicate that the victim was not conscious following the accident.
The victim was first transported to the Tapoco Bridge in Swain County to meet the helicopter. The landing zone backed up traffic in both directions for approximately 20 minutes.
In addition to Graham County EMS and Lifeforce helicopter personnel, Graham County Volunteer Fire Department and North Carolina Highway Patrol units also responded.
Trooper Kosal Thach with the N.C. Highway Patrol said the accident happened when the motorcyclist – heading northbound on 129 – ended up veering off the road into a ditch. He proceeded in the ditch for a short distance before his front wheel caught, throwing him off off the bike.
The victim appeared to have been riding with a small group of other motorcyclists and his red Yamaha sport bike sustained heavy damage.