In a tragic accident that occurred on Thanksgiving morning, a motorcyclist lost their life in a crash on Portland's Marquam Bridge. The incident resulted in the closure of all southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in the area as law enforcement conducted an investigation.

According to the Portland Police Department, the motorcyclist was the only person involved in the crash, which took place shortly before 10 a.m. Witnessing the incident, passing drivers immediately stopped to provide first aid to the injured individual. Emergency services arrived promptly and transported the motorcyclist to a nearby hospital. However, despite their efforts, the rider succumbed to their injuries and tragically passed away.

Due to the severity of the crash, the Oregon Department of Transportation had no choice but to close all lanes of southbound I-5 at Interstate 84 in Portland. As a result, traffic was redirected to alternative routes and other downtown-area freeways. Motorists were urged to consider using Interstate 405 or finding alternate paths to avoid the congested areas.

As of now, it remains uncertain how long the closure will last. The Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck website reported significant delays across most downtown-area freeways as traffic was rerouted. Commuters were advised to stay updated on the situation and to plan accordingly to minimize any disruption to their journeys.

Unfortunately, this incident wasn't the only fatal motorcycle accident in the area during the holiday period. Just hours earlier, another motorcyclist tragically lost their life in a collision with a minivan in Gresham. According to the Gresham Police Department, the crash occurred on Southeast Division Street, east of 176th Avenue, at around 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

The authorities are actively investigating both accidents to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the crashes. As the community mourns the loss of these individuals, it serves as a stark reminder for all motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.

Our thoughts go out to the families and friends affected by these heartbreaking incidents, and we urge everyone to stay vigilant and prioritize safety while traveling on the roads.