Personal injury news

Four killed in horror road traffic accident

Four cyclists were killed on the morning of 8th January, 2006 when they were involved in a horrific road traffic accident with a car in north Wales. The four, including a fourteen year-old boy, were all members of Rhyl Cycling Club and were among a 12-strong group on a training ride on the A547 near Abegele.

Details are still emerging about the exact reason for the incident, but it is believed that a Toyota Corolla travelling in the opposite direction lost control on an icy bend and collided with the group. All four were killed instantly, and the remainder of the cyclists were taken to hospital with personal injuries but none are thought to be in a life-threatening condition.

Police have named the casualties of the road traffic accident as Thomas Harland, 14, Wayne Wilkes, 42, Dave Horrocks, 55, and Maurice Broadbent, 61. Jon Harland, the father of teenage victim, Thomas, was also part of the cycling party and suffered a broken leg in the tragedy. Reports suggest that he heard his son cry out but was powerless to help.

It has since emerged that police were called to a car accident on the same stretch of road only an hour before, when a vehicle almost collided with a telegraph pole. Locals say that rainwater from the previous night had frozen solid, despite gritting, turning the road into a veritable ice rink.

Authorities have demanded a full public investigation and Brynle Williams, Conservative Assembly member for North Wales said, “Obviously my thoughts and condolences are with the families of the victims. I’m shocked and absolutely stunned by this. To lose one life is too many, but to lose four is incomprehensible.”

Further details about the road traffic accident and the cycling club can be found at www.rhylcyclingclub.co.uk.