Falling scrap metal severs motorcyclist's leg

COCHRANE — Officials say a motorcyclist lost part of his leg after a portion of a metal forklift fell off a truck and into his path Friday.

Officials said the man was eastbound with a group of other motorcyclists when a commercial semi-trailer approached from the opposite direction along Hwy. 1A, east of the Morley townsite.

Cochrane Const. Francisco Ceron said police believe an arm of the forklift, part of scrap metal on a flatbed truck, fell into the path of the man on the motorcycle.

One of his legs was severed below the knee.

No injuries were reported to the other motorcyclists.

“It is very unfortunate,” Ceron said.

Police are unaware if the driver of a white, older model flatbed truck even knew he lost some of the scrap metal he was hauling.

They are urging anyone who can help find the driver to call 851-8000.

The injured man is believed to be in his 20s and from B.C.

Earlier this month, Kristen Coutts was killed in a freak accident on the Trans-Canada Hwy., when a brake drum was launched into the windshield of her Toyota RAV4 as she drove home.

Police believe injuries caused by the 14-kg drum — thought to have broken free from a commercial vehicle near Stoney Tr. N.W. — killed the 25-year-old woman instantly. To read the original article: http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2010/07/24/14812521.html