Leaking oil, impairment may have caused Spokane Valley motorcycle crash that sent two to hospital

A motorcyclist and a passenger remained hospitalized with serious injuries Monday after crashing their bike Saturday night in Spokane Valley.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said the crash occurred at about 10:30 p.m. near the intersection of North Park Road and East Rutter Avenue.

The sheriff’s office didn’t identify the motorcyclists but said the driver was a man and the passenger was a woman. Both were wearing helmets, but one was reportedly unconscious when deputies were called.

The sheriff’s office said a preliminary investigation found the motorcycle had been traveling west on an access road just south of the railroad tracks. The bike’s engine started to leak oil, possibly damaged while traveling over the rough terrain.

The driver turned north onto Park Road, crossed the railroad tracks and apparently lost control as the leaking oil coated the rear tire, the sheriff’s office said. Both riders slammed into the pavement.

The sheriff’s office said the driver’s condition was listed as serious Monday, while the passenger’s condition was satisfactory.

Investigators suspect impairment was a factor and obtained a warrant for a sample of the driver’s blood. As of Monday, no charges had been filed.