ITTA BENA, MS. – According to a news report published online at wapt.com, a vehicle fatally hit a bicyclist during a cycling event in Itta Bena, Mississippi. The events surrounding the accident are not entirely clear at this time, and Mississippi Highway Patrol is still in the process of investigating.*
The accident occurred in the morning at the crossing of Highway 82 and Highway 7. Mississippi Highway Patrol and WAPT report that at about 7:40 a.m., cyclists were riding in the Bikes, Blues and Bayous event in Itta Bena. This is the 12th year for the event, according to the report, and Troopers with highway patrol were out at various locations directing vehicle traffic to allow cyclists and motorists to pass through.
At the meeting of the two highways, WAPT says that a cyclist proceeded into the intersection while a truck was oncoming. A Trooper reportedly yelled out to the cyclist to stop, but the cyclist rode forward, and the truck hit the bike. It is not clear from the report whether the cyclist or the truck was cleared to pass through the intersection before the crash happened.
WAPT reports that the man riding on the bicycle was tragically killed in the accident. Mississippi Highway Patrol identified him as a 50-year-old man from Clinton, Mississippi.
The driver of the truck was not identified in the report, though the report states he or she was not injured. The report does not say what type of truck it was, but a photo from the scene depicts a silver pickup truck. It is unclear if this was the truck involved.
Troopers are still investigating the cause of the accident. The report says the cyclist might have been wearing headphones at the time and did not hear the Trooper’s warnings. No charges have been announced in the case.