Four cyclists in hospital following horror crash caused by a dead kangaroo
Four Australian cyclists are in hospital, two with serious fractures, after a freak crash involving a dead kangaroo and a ute near Shepparton, Victoria.
Nine riders from the Shepparton Pussy Cats cycling group were riding in line formation along Mitchell Road in Kialla early this morning when one rider swerved to avoid a kangaroo carcass.
Others unable to avoid the carcass ended up colliding with one another, creating a domino-like effect. Rider David Paton, 45, was thrown into the path of an oncoming ute and became trapped underneath.
Emergency services used airbags to raise the vehicle and free the cyclist, who sustained chest injuries and was airlifted to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital where he is in a critical but stable condition. The driver of the pick-up truck was reported to be in shock and was helping police with their investigation.
According to 9 News, it is believed that the kangaroo had been struck by a driver early this morning, with low sunlight a contributory factor.
In June last year, six cyclists in Florida were injured when one skidded on the remains of a dead alligator that had been hit by a vehicle.
The incident left one, Tim Nicholls, fighting for his life in hospital with injuries including multiple fractures to his face, five broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a broken clavicle. He also suffered bleeding to his brain.
Speaking to the Sun Sentinel three weeks later as he continued his recuperation at home, he said he had no recollection of the incident.
