Fire destroys motorbike

A MOTORCYCLIST was lucky to escape injury after the motorbike he was riding caught alight at Murrumbateman this morning.

Emergency crews were called to the incident at about 9am to douse the bike, which was well alight.

Police said the man had been riding with friends near the corner of McIntosh Circuit and the Barton Highway. They said he had collided with a kangaroo the previous night.

His brakes caught alight this morning and his friends motioned him to pull over, moments before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

Traffic control crews from the nearby roadworks helped authorities direct traffic around the incident.

Both lanes remain open but traffic is moving slowly through the area.

The bike was destroyed. PHOTO: Matt Baker

The rider made a lucky escape. PHOTO: Matt Baker