Motorcyclist killed in Smethwick crash
A motorcyclist has died following a crash at a busy junction in Smethwick.
Emergency crews were called to the junction of A457 Soho Way and Crocketts Lane shortly after 11pm on Friday to reports of an injured motorcyclist in the road following a crash involving a car.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said the driver of the car was helping officers with enquiries.
The dual carriageway was closed for several hours at its junction with Telford Way, near Smethwick Galton Bridge railway station.
Today dozens of floral tributes had been laid at the side of the junction.
Heartfelt messages have been left for the motorcyclist, known locally as Saki.
Four lampposts were adorned with the flowers along with a notebook for people to write their messages of condolence.
One floral tribute simply read "Love you, Mum."
Others said: "Resting in Paradise" and "Love you Bro."
Nearby residents who did not wish to be named reported hearing a loud bang at around 11pm.
One resident said: "I heard this huge smash and we came out and everybody was trying to help this person in the middle of the road.
"All the cars had stopped. Some people were on their phones to the emergency services, others were by the man.
"It was like everybody from around here came out. Then the ambulance and the police arrived.
"Something needs to be done about this junction. At the very least it needs a zebra crossing. People need to think about other road users and slow down.
"That person in the road could have been any of us. It's awful to think about. We need to raise awareness of this."
Police are appealing for information about the crash.
Anyone with information or who saw what happened and has not spoken to police should contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting log 3002 of August 25.
