A motorcycle rider was transported by helicopter to a local hospital after crashing along Interstate 20 in Merkel.

Police said they believe the motorcycle was going over 100 miles per hour.

The motorcycle hit the "rumba," the indentations on the side of road, forcing the motorcycle into the median. It hit the fence, and the impact threw the driver from the bike.

The driver was transported by helicopter to Hendrick Medical Center. Police said his injuries appeared to be life-threatening, but he was awake during transportation. Speed is a factor in the crash.

According to hospital officials, the man was released Wednesday afternoon.

Police said he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Merkel police got the call just after 11 p.m. Tuesday evening. The accident happened in the westbound lanes of Interstate 20 near mile marker 269 and near FM 126 in Merkel.