Elderly cyclist killed in collision with car

Jun 21 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

AN ELDERLY cyclist died when his bike collided with a car driven by a female pensioner yesterday morning.

The accident happened just after 10am around a mile and a half south of the Reg Vardy garage on Croft Road, Blackwell, Darlington.

Two cyclists, both from South Tyneside, were involved in the crash with a Citroen car, which was being driven by a 68-year-old woman from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

One of the men, believed to be in his early 70s and from South Shields, was airlifted to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

He later died despite receiving emergency medical attention.

The second cyclist was taken to the same hospital where last night his condition was described as serious but not life threatening.

Two fire engines attended the scene, and an air ambulance was called to take the two cyclists to hospital.

The 68-year-old car driver was taken to Darlington Memorial hospital, but her injuries were not believed to be serious.

A spokeswoman from Durham Police said: “The man who died as a result of his injuries was in his early 70s and lived in South Shields.

“The second cyclist, who is in his 50s, also lived in South Shields and is being treated for leg and neck injuries at the James Cook Memorial Hospital.

“His injuries are serious but not life threatening.

“A 68-year-old woman from Newton Aycliffe is receiving treatment in Darlington Memorial Hospital, but her injuries are not deemed to be serious.”

A spokesman for the North East Ambulance Service said: “We received a report of a road accident at approximately 10.04am.

“An air ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were dispatched, along with paramedic crews.”

Police last night issued an appeal for witnesses.

Anyone with information should call (0191) 375-2159.