A recent motorcycle accident in Phoenix Arizona is so shocking and of such size, the American Motorcycle Association has publicly announced its condolences to the victim’s families.

Four people have died with another five seriously injured after a large dump truck plowed into eight motorcycles stopped in traffic at a light in North Phoenix on Thursday at approximately 1 p.m.. The eight motorcycles, carrying at least nine people, had pulled up behind a pickup and a small SUV near 27th Drive and Carefree Highway in North Phoenix.

Witnesses told officials the dump truck ran over the motorcycles and collided with the SUV originally in front of the bikes at the light. Some of the motorcycles burst into flames while others, along with the riders, were dragged 50 to 75 yards according to reports. By the time the sanitation dump truck had finally stopped, three riders were trapped underneath.

According to Police Clyde R. Nachand, 67, Stephen Punch, 52, and Daniel L. Butler, 35, were killed at the scene and Friday night Veronica Downs-Totonchi, 47 died at the hospital.

Of those injured, 52-year-old Phoenix Fire Captain Ernie Lizarraga remains in critical condition, a 39-year-old woman, 35-year-old man, and another male are in being kept in the hospital and considered as being in serious condition. Another male, 48 years old, was treated and released from the hospital.

Local television stations and newspapers have reported with video and pictures showing a horrifying collection of mangled motorcycles and scattered personal belongings, including pairs of riders' boots lying in the roadway.

"I have never seen such a horrific accident involving so many motorcycles," Phoenix Public Safety Manager Jack Harris told reporters at the scene.

The driver of the truck has been identified as Michael J. Jakscht, 46 years old, who received minor injuries from the accident and showed no signs of impairment afterwards.  Early reports indicate Jakscht was eastbound on Carefree Highway when he failed to control his speed and collided with the rear of the eight motorcycles and four other vehicles.

Local newspapers are claiming Jakscht currently has two pending speeding tickets, both issued this month.

Yesterday, the American Motorcyclist Association released a statement that read, ‘The AMA expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims in Thursday's large motorcyle crash in Phoenix,’ noting they ‘remain[ed] concerned about incident and [are] looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.’

On Friday, officials explained the accident is still under investigation and that it will be some time before detectives determine what charges or citations may be filed. In the meantime, the local media have been telling the public who the victims were with moving stories from friends and families. For some victims, the ride was an impromptu decision made because of good weather. All were passionate about motorcycles and riding.

Balloons and candles have been left behind at the scene in memory of the tragedy.

While friends and co-workers of the victims are starting funds for the impacted families, fellow riders are coming together for a charity ride expected to take place Saturday morning.  Members of a local riding group, the M.C. Kruzers publicly invited members of the community to join them to show their support for the riders who were hit, and their families.

The Solidarity ride begins Saturday at 10 a.m. at one of two starting points. Riders who want to ride as a group can meet at either the Fry's on 43rd Avenue & Cactus Road or the QT on Mesa Drive and the US 60. The ride will end at the Roadrunner Restaurant and Saloon in New River. The restaurant sponsors the club and will hold fundraising events over the weekend for those who were killed or injured in the accident.

Someone expected to be among those paying their respects is Ron Morrison, a motorcycle enthusiast who should've have been riding with the victims on Thursday but couldn’t after being called into work at the last minute.

"I'm glad I didn't go, I guess," Morrison told ABC affiliate 15.com, "It is devastating to see."