One cyclist is dead and five other are in hospital after being struck by a car while out on a morning bicycle ride in Richmond, B.C. Sunday morning.
Mounties say the accident occurred around 10: 30 a.m. along the 23000-block of River Road near Westminster Highway.
Six male cyclists were struck by a car, and a 33-year-old man from Vancouver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Five other cyclists were rushed to Royal Columbian Hospital. A 39-year-old man is in critical condition, a 46-year-old is in serious condition, and the remaining three cyclists suffered minor injuries.
Mounties say the driver, a 19-year-old man from Burnaby, was uninjured and is cooperating with police. Images of the car show considerable damage to the front of the vehicle.
“There is a large ditch on the south side of the roadway, and a couple of bikes landed on the opposite side of the ditch,” said Cpl. Jay Colville. “We have had a number of issues with this roadway here with vehicles and cyclists.”
Amanda Yipp lives on River Road, and says many cyclists go by her home every day. Her mother heard the crash and called 911 – an experience that’s now seared in her memory.
“She’s in shock. She was doing her morning routine, doing dishes, and heard a [crash],” said Yipp. “When I checked up on her today she said she’ll never forget those screams… It’s really tragic.”
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Const. Purghart of the Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit at 604-278-1212.
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Scott Hurst
