CANYON CITY – A Blue Mountain Hospital doctor happened across a motorcycle accident Thursday, June 19, and was able to give first aid to the victim before he was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Oregon State Police and Grant County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the accident, which was reported about 4 p.m. on Highway 395 about three miles south of Canyon City.

Trooper Erich Timko reported that Gene Jerome Abell, 55, of Medford, was riding his 2005 BMW motorcycle north with two other bikers when he failed to negotiate a curve. The motorcycle went onto the shoulder and out of control.

Abell was thrown from the bike and tumbled along the gravel pullout before coming to rest near the bike.

Dr. Keith Thomas was driving by in his personal vehicle and saw the accident. He stopped to administer first aid.

Abell was taken by ambulance to Blue Mountain Hospital for treatment of broken ribs, a punctured lung and possible fractured shoulder blade.

Timko said Abell was wearing a helmet and protective riding gear, which prevented further injury.

Abell was en route to the BMW Rally in John Day.

A witness told police that three motorcycles had passed her vehicle in a no-passing zone about five miles south of the crash location.

Abell was cited for failure to maintain lane. His motorcycle was towed.

Oregon Department of Transportation workers helped with traffic control during the accident response.

In an unrelated incident, witnesses said another motorcycle crashed at about the same site on 395 in the afternoon on Monday, June 23.