3 motorcyclists injured in Orlando crash, FHP says

Troopers say motorcyclist hit construction trailer while trying to avoid SUV

ORLANDO, Fla. – Three motorcyclists were injured Thursday night in a crash on State Road 417 at Curry Ford Road in Orlando, troopers said.

The Florida Highway Patrol said an SUV was traveling northbound on S.R. 417 in the right center lane around 7:30 p.m. as three motorcyclists traveled in the right-through lane.

Witnesses told troopers the SUV had changed lanes into the right lane, into the path of 29-year-old Jeanette Villegas' motorcycle.

Villegas then steered onto the shoulder to avoid the SUV. As a result, according to the FHP, she hit a construction trailer on the shoulder and was ejected.

Jose Villegas Encarncion, 34, and Abel Hernandez, 43, dropped their motorcycles to avoid striking Villegas, troopers said. 

The FHP said all the bikers were wearing helmets.

Troopers said the SUV never made contact with Villegas and did not stay at the scene.  If ever found, the SUV driver could face leaving the scene of a crash with injuries involving a non-contact hit-and-run, the FHP said.

Villegas suffered serious injuries, and Encarncion and Hernandez suffered minor injuries in the crash. Troopers said all three were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

The riders were part of a Kissimmee motorcycle club called FLNY Ryderz.

One of the members, Michael Mantilla, said, "(Hernandez) suffered a broken arm, ribs, lung, and the other female has road rash. They all got road rash, of course."

Hernandez was later released from the hospital.  The others will undergo surgery.

Last year, a member of the FLNY motorcycle club was killed in a crash. In March 2013, Juan Irrizary died after a collision with a car at East Vine Street and Michigan Avenue.

Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates on this story.


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