Massachusetts man dies when motorcycle travels into path of truck in Lang Township

LANG TOWNSHIP — A 42-year-old Massachusetts man was killed Monday after his motorcycle failed to negotiate a sharp turn on Route 16 and slid into the path of a propane truck, Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. said Monday.

Information gathered by deputies indicate that four or five motorcycles were traveling east on Route 16 at about 12:07 p.m. and came upon a sharp corner.

The lead motorcycle, driven by Michael Rezendes of Billerica, Mass., failed to negotiate the corner, went out of control and slid into the lane of a Webber Energy Fuels truck carrying propane. It was driven by Stephen Grant, 60, of Rangeley, who was heading west, Nichols said.

Rezendes was killed instantly, he said.

The driver of the truck tried to avoid the motorcycle but was unsuccessful, he said.

Rezendes was driving a 2007 Honda VTX.

Maine State Police Trooper Bernard Campbell of the commercial enforcement unit arrived shortly after the accident occurred.

Deputy Sandy Burke was the lead investigator at the scene and was assisted by Detective Ken Charles, an accident reconstructionist, and Deputy Walter Fails.

Sheriff’s Lt. David Rackliffe and Chief Deputy Steve Lowell were also at the scene overseeing the investigation.

Rangeley Fire Rescue units and a NorthStar EMS ambulance were at the scene to assist.

The road was closed for several hours due to the investigation.

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: A Massachusetts man, Michael Rezendes, 42, of Billerica, was killed Monday after his motorcycle failed to negotiate a sharp corner on Route 16 in Lang Township and slid into a path of a Webber Energy Fuels truck. Franklin County deputies are investigating the accident.