A tragic motorcycle accident occurred on Thursday evening in Gais, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, resulting in the deaths of two young riders.

The incident involved three motorcycles traveling uphill on Strossstrasse.

A 22-year-old rider veered into the opposite lane during a right-hand curve, colliding with an 18-year-old motorcyclist.

Both suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene despite immediate first aid and resuscitation efforts.

A third motorcyclist, aged 38, crashed into the wreckage and was airlifted to the hospital with unspecified injuries.

The accident led to a total loss of all involved motorcycles and temporarily closed the road in both directions for investigation.

The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.