FELTON -- A 49-year-old man and 46-year-old-woman, both from Santa Cruz, were killed instantly Friday night when the 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle they were riding slid beneath a gas tanker, the California Highway Patrol reported today.

The accident occurred at Mount Hermon and Graham Hill roads in Felton around 11:30 p.m. Friday.

According to the CHP, the motorcyclists needed to veer right to remain in their lane, but their excessive speed prevented them from successfully making the turn. The motorcyclists turned too far to the right and fell onto their right side, sliding from the eastbound lane across solid double lines and ending up beneath the tanker in the westbound lane.

The CHP reported the victims were killed instantly as they landed directly beneath the truck's rear set of double axles.

According to the CHP, the victims' bodies remained on the roadway as the tractor-trailer, which was driving approximately 20 to 25 mph, continued westbound with the motorcycle stuck in the truck's rear axle and wheel.

The motorcycle then burst into flames, the CHP reported.

Once the truck came to a stop, the driver exited the vehicle unharmed and extinguished the blaze with a fire extinguisher, the CHP reported.

Mount Hermon Road was closed for five hours following the crash while officers completed their investigation.

According to the CHP, no charges have been issued against the 36-year-old San Jose man who was driving the gas tanker.