By Times Chronicle Staff
Three cyclists participating in the Granfondo cycling event earlier today were struck by a motor vehicle leaving one dead and two seriously injured.
Penticton RCMP had said just before noon today that they were responding to a serious motor vehicle incident that occurred on White Lake Road near St Andrew’s Drive.
The RCMP have provided an update saying they are investigating a fatal collision. The incident involved a motor vehicle and cyclists participating in the Granfondo event, they said without specifying the time of the incident.
“Tragically, one cyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two additional cyclists sustained serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.”
The road is closed while police conduct their investigation. Drivers are advised to take alternate routes and police say updates will be posted on the DriveBC website.
“The RCMP extend their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those impacted by this devastating event.”
Officials from Okanagan Granfondo issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the fatal incident and conveyed condolences to those impacted. “Our prayers are with all those impacted today,” it read. “We are fully cooperating with authorities at this time.”
The organization also suggested any cyclists or spectators who may need support due to this incident to call 811 or access HealthlinkBC for support resources.
Police have not released any information about the vehicle driver involved in the collision.
Granfondo Okanagan describes the event as: “This mass cycling event ranks as one of North America’s premier cycling events that attracts recreational, elite and pro cyclists for an epic weekend of road cycling in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan wine country. Cyclists can choose from one of four distances with each distance starting and finishing in Penticton”
Nearly 3,000 cyclists took part in the event.
