Two local residents lost their lives Tuesday night near downtown McMinnville when their motorcycle collided with an SUV in front of First Baptist Church.

Motorcycle driver Bryan Jennings, 21, and his passenger Katelyn Rogers, 20, were killed in the crash.

SUV driver Alissa Rains, 45, was able to open the passenger side door of her Toyota 4-Runner and escape without injury. Her driver’s side was engulfed in flames.

“This was a horrific crash where lives were lost,” said McMinnville Police officer Mark Mara. “We want to extend our deepest sympathy to the families who lost a loved one and also to the driver of the other vehicle. We are continuing our investigation.”

The crash was reported at 6:09 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Spring Street and Donnell Street in front of the church. The motorcycle was travelling toward downtown on Spring Street and made contact with the front, driver’s side of the SUV, which was turning left from Donnell.

The impact ejected both victims over the SUV.

“The motorcycle was in flames and that caused the SUV to become engulfed,” said Mara. “The driver of the motorcycle was pulled away from the flames. The motorcycle passenger was ejected and taken to Saint Thomas River Park where she was later pronounced deceased.”

Mara continued, “The motorcycle driver was not wearing a helmet. The passenger was. At first glance it appears the motorcycle was travelling over the speed limit.”

The intersection can be tricky because it’s difficult to see motorists coming over the hill if you’re pulling from Donnell Street.

Mara said they do have witnesses and they are also checking to see if any cameras in the area might have captured the crash. He said Rains is cooperating fully with the investigation.