Motorcyclist missing after crash

Chaplin, Conn. (WTNH) - State Police are looking for a driver involved in a motorcycle crash in Chaplin.

Firefighters searched the area of Pumpkin Hill Road for three and a half hours after the motorcycle and an SUV collided. Police say both vehicles sideswiped each other, both ending up off the road in the woods. The driver of the car was rushed to the hospital, but the person believed to be a man on the motorcycle was nowhere to be found.

"Several fire departments responded to the scene with thermal imaging cameras as well as personnel to assist us with the search of the area," said Sgt. John Guari of the Connecticut State Police.

News 8 cameras were the only ones at the scene where firefighters from several towns searched a quarter mile into the woods and another half mile in either direction. State Police canine units were also brought in to track down the driver. "We wanted to ensure that if the party was injured and walked off from the scene, that they didn't become disabled and fall down on the side of the roadway," explained Guari.

Guari went on to say they are also investigating the possibility the rider just took off. There was a helmet found near the bike but police don't know if he was wearing it. "We've contacted the local area hospitals and we're trying to track through the vehicle registration and Vin number, the possible owner of the vehicle to ensure that they're not injured or that they're receiving treatment for their injuries," said Guari.

The area which is part of the Nachaug State Forest is dense and challenging terrain whether the motorcycle rider was injured or not. The driver of the SUV suffered most of her injuries when her car slammed into a huge rock. She was taken from the scene to an area hospital.