Another collision on Highway 101, this time involving two people who were riding about 11 miles north of Gold Beach.
According to the Oregon State Police (OSP) at about 12:55 pm yesterday, a PT Cruiser driven by a 61-year-old man was southbound on 101 traveling over Ophir Dike when it “struck two bicyclists riding on the southbound shoulder.”
The two people hit were 30-year-old Martha McClean and 26-year-old Essya Mabrouka Nabbali. Both of the women are from Ontario Canada.
The police statement describes that they were “ejected from the bicycles” and that “they were wearing protective helmets.”
McClean is in serious condition and Nabbali is listed in fair condition. They were both airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Springfield (near Eugene) after first being transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the Curry County DA’s Office where they will consider whether or not any type of enforcement action is warranted.
Highway 101 is one of the most popular bicycle touring routes in the world. In August, a Vancouver, Washington man was killed after being involved in a collision with a logging truck.
UPDATE, 4:45pm: A reader has sent in a link to photos taken by someone who arrived on the scene just after the collision occurred (warning: images may be considered graphic).
UPDATE, 10/5: Please see this follow-up story for the latest news about this collision.
UPDATE, 9:00 am 10/20: Still no update on the investigation into the collision. However, the Oregon State Police confirms that the case has been referred to the Curry County District Attorney’s office, which could mean that criminal charges are being considered.