Motorcyclist airlifted to Indianapolis following accident on U.S. 31

COLUMBUS, Ind. — A motorcyclist was transported to Indianapolis by helicopter for treatment of a severe leg injury after an accident at 9:17 p.m. Monday at U.S. 31 and Middle Road in Columbus.

Columbus police said Raymond K. Sanchez, 20, Columbus, was riding a 2015 Honda motorcycle northwest bound on U.S. 31 and was slowing to stop in traffic there.

A 2011 Chevrolet HHR driven by Patti G. Prater, 59, North Vernon, also traveling northwest on U.S. 31 and collided with the back of the motorcycle, police said.

Sanchez was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital and then by helicopter to an Indianapolis hospital, police said.

Accident reconstructionists were called to the scene following the accident.