Urgent Appeal for Dashcam Footage After Tragic Cyclist Fatality in Armidale

A tragic incident in regional New South Wales left one cyclist dead and three others injured when a car collided with them during a race. The driver, who crashed into a tree and subsequently caught fire, is reported to be in critical condition.

P24 News Media

December 15, 2024

1 minute

Urgent Appeal for Dashcam Footage After Tragic Cyclist Fatality in Armidale

India

Authorities in New South Wales are actively searching for dashcam footage following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of one cyclist and injuries to three others on the outskirts of Armidale, located within the Northern Tablelands region of the state. The incident took place around 3:30 PM on Saturday when a vehicle crashed into a group of cyclists who were participating in a race, subsequently colliding with a tree and igniting into flames.

The fatality involved a male cyclist in his sixties, whose identity has yet to be officially confirmed. In addition to the deceased, three other cyclists sustained injuries and received immediate care from paramedics at the scene before being transported to a local hospital. The injured include two men, aged 57 and 39, as well as a teenage boy, all of whom are reported to be in stable condition following the accident.

The car's driver, a woman in her thirties, was trapped inside the vehicle after the crash. After being treated on-site by emergency medical teams, she was subsequently airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in critical condition. The investigation into the events leading to the collision on Long Swamp Road, which is situated just outside Armidale, is ongoing. Law enforcement officials are encouraging any witnesses or individuals who may have captured the incident on dashcam to reach out with information.

As the community comes to terms with this devastating event, tributes have begun to pour in across social media platforms for the cyclist who lost his life during the routine activity of a 30-kilometre gravel club race, organized by the Armidale Cycling Club.

Mark Bullen, the former president of the club, expressed the immense grief felt within this close-knit group of cycling enthusiasts. He noted that the community is engulfed in mourning and struggling to cope with the shock of the incident. "He was an absolutely wonderful man," Bullen remarked, acknowledging the collective sense of disbelief among those who were present at the time of the tragedy. "I've had conversations with a few of the people that are out there and they're probably beyond talking at the moment,” he added, highlighting the emotional toll on his fellow cyclists.

Bullen emphasized his belief that the cycling community, alongside other local residents, would surely come together to support the injured cyclists and provide comfort to those who witnessed the horrifying event. "Every person I spoke to, they said they're numb," he shared. Bullen further elaborated on the profound impact of the tragedy, stating, "It has devastated the community and it's going to be ongoing for quite a long time." He also articulated a sentiment that resonates deeply among cyclists: "Once you become a cyclist, you join a family, and that family is here for everyone."

The community's response speaks volumes about the bonds formed through shared passions, and it underscores the importance of coming together during times of grief. As the investigation continues and the community mourns, the impact of this tragic event will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of many for the foreseeable future.