Pickup plows into group of bicyclists killing 5, injuring 4 others

In the half-hour before the bicyclists were struck, law enforcement in three jurisdictions received calls about a blue pickup truck driving erratically, Getting told reporters in a late-night news conference Tuesday night.

Officials were investigating on Wednesday the deaths of five cyclists and injuries of four others after a pickup truck plowed into their group along a southwest MI road, the state’s governor said.

A witness near the scene told ABC’s Kalamazoo affiliate, WZZM, that the bicyclists are part of a group that goes on weekly rides.

Five bike riders were pronounced dead at the scene while four riders were taken to hospital. Two of the people involved in the crash are being treated at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, said a spokeswoman, Carolyn Wyllie, who declined to disclose any more details.

The driver, an unidentified 50-year-old, was reportedly driving erratically moments before, police said.

Nine cyclists were hit as they were riding on North Westnedge Avenue in Cooper Township, just north of Kalamazoo, around 6:30pm Tuesday.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says a crash that killed five bicyclists near a western Michigan park is a senseless tragedy.

Gobble, Jeske and Runnels are in serious condition and Johnson is listed in fair condition, Getting said.

Bicyclist Bob Strader, 74, of Texas Township said the stretch of two-lane road is one he prefers not to use.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.

Getting added a man is in custody, though he will not be identified until charges are formally filed.

The names and ages of the victims have not been released. He says authorities were searching for the driver, but there was no active pursuit at the time of the accident. The area still is dealing with the random fatal shootings of six people and wounding of two others in February.