Durban’s biking fraternity is mourning the death of avid biker, Craig Porter, who died after a collision with a diesel tanker.
|||Durban - Durban’s biking fraternity is mourning the death of avid biker Craig Porter, who died on Sunday in a collision with a diesel tanker.
Porter, 46, of Yellowwood Park, who was divisional logistics director at G.U.D. Holdings in Prospection, was heading towards Pinetown to meet with a group of fellow motorbike enthusiasts when tragedy struck.
The truck he hit was across both lanes of the M7 in Queensburgh, with the cab sitting in a tarred section which links across the centre median to the other side of the M7.
Manie da Silva, his brother-in-law, said Porter had been riding in the right lane at the time, and that skid marks on the road suggested that he braked from a distance, but could not avoid slamming into the side of the truck.
The front wheel of the bike hit the tank and the family believes Porter’s head struck the metal trailer, killing him instantly. Da Silva said Porter’s helmet was still intact. He had been appropriately attired with riding gear, he said.
The M7 was closed between the Belville Bridge and the N2 interchange so that authorities could clean up the diesel spill.
Da Silva said he last saw Porter on Saturday night.
Porter’s long-time girlfriend, Ana Barbosa, said his employer had called her to tell her of the crash. They had found a card with his work details in his pocket.
“We are renovating the interior of our home, so I was with him on Sunday morning trying to settle on which bathroom accessories we should buy. I was totally against him going on a motorbike,” she said. “I guess he died on what he loved. I am proud of him and his achievements.”
Porter had two Aprilia bikes and a Harley Davidson. He had won prizes for his bike because of the paint work and maintenance.
Street Kingz Motorcycle Club vice-president, Gafoor Khan, said he had worked and ridden alongside Porter.
He said the local biking fraternity was devastated to hear of his death. Khan described him as an excellent, experienced and safe motorcyclist. Porter was also keen on mountain biking, and had six dogs.
His daughter Roxanne said that whenever she made him a jam sandwich when he returned from work, he would give his dog Maya a small slice.
The family have yet to announce a funeral date.
Daily News