Motorcyclist plunges down hillside on Ortega Highway, requires rescue

A motorcyclist was seriously injured Thursday, Jan. 21, when he plunged down an embankment along Route 74, the Ortega Highway near Lake Elsinore, which was shut down in both directions during the rescue operation.The “rider down” call was received about 12:55 p.m. on the westbound 74, near Tenaja Truck Trail, about 3 miles west of Lake Elsinore, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.The victim called 911 about 20 feet below the highway, unable to move, according to reports from the scene. Several engine crews began slowly driving along the highway, attempting to locate the motorcyclist. The effort took almost 20 minutes until the victim notified a 911 dispatcher that he could hear the sirens above him.Firefighters hiked down to the motorcyclist and discovered he
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