One dead, one injured in motorcycle crashes

One rider died and another sustained life-threatening injuries after two motorcycles crashed Wednesday night at East Appleway Boulevard and South Dartmouth Road.

Both adult male riders suffered life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital, where one died. The second rider is in critical condition, according to the Spokane Valley Police Department.

Witnesses told police four motorcycles were traveling east on Appleway when two bikes accelerated and pulled past the other pair.

The motorcycles struck a curb and sidewalk on the north side of the road as it curved.

The bikes went down independently and stopped over 300 feet apart, police say.

Both riders were wearing helmets but investigators believe speed and intoxication were involved in the crash.