Motorcyclist Dead after Collision with Durham, NC, Fire Truck

The rig was headed to a fire alarm in Durham when it collided with the motorcycle.

Aug. 18, 2025

The News & Observer (Raleigh)

(TNS)

A motorcyclist died Sunday morning after a collision with a city of Durham fire truck.

The crash occurred shortly after 10 a.m. at the intersection of N.C. 54 and T.W. Alexander Drive in Durham County.

According to the N.C. State Highway Patrol, the fire truck was heading west on N.C. 54, responding to a fire alarm call with its lights and siren activated. A Suzuki 800 motorcycle was traveling south on T.W. Alexander Drive when the two vehicles collided at the intersection.

Dhawal Rasikkumar Desai, 46, of Apex, was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene. Three firefighters were in the fire truck at the time of the crash, but none was injured.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the State Highway Patrol Troop C Communications Center by dialing *HP(47) or dialing 919-733-3861. Additionally, they can contact the Durham County State Highway Patrol office at 919-560-6868, Monday-Friday during business hours.