The incident happened at about 7:08 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, on northbound State Route 1 near Solimar Beach Road.
Ventura, CA – Two bicyclists were killed, and another was injured following a collision involving a suspected drunk driver along Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura on Thursday evening, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The incident happened at about 7:08 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, on northbound State Route 1 near Solimar Beach Road.
Investigators said a gray Nissan Frontier pickup truck was traveling northbound at approximately 50 to 55 mph when, for some reason, it veered onto the right shoulder and entered the designated bicycle lane. The pickup struck three bicyclists from behind before continuing northbound, crashing into a metal guardrail, and coming to rest on the shoulder.
One bicyclist suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A second cyclist sustained major injuries and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where he later died. The third bicyclist suffered minor to moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The identities of the cyclists have not yet been released pending notification of their families.
According to CHP investigators, alcohol impairment was determined to be a factor in the deadly collision. The exact circumstances that caused the Nissan to leave its lane remain under investigation.
Authorities said the driver, a 24-year-old Oxnard man, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The crash forced the closure of State Route 1 at Solimar Beach Road in both directions for approximately four hours while authorities examined the scene and recovered the vehicle.
The crash remains under investigation, and CHP is asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant information to contact the Ventura Area office.