Cyclist killed near Blenheim

A 60 year-old man has died early this morning after being knocked off his bicycle near Blenheim.

The man was riding on State Highway One near Grovetown about 12.30am when he was hit.

The initial investigation has revealed that they cyclist was wearing dark clothing and did not have lights on his bike. He has ventured out in front of a heavy van travelling in the same direction and as a result the driver of the vehicle has not had sufficient time to take evasive action to avoid the collision.

The man was taken to Wairau Hospital by ambulance but was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The driver of the van was visibly shaken but has returned to Blenheim Police Station with his passenger. Both have been assisting Police with their inquiries into the cause of the accident.

A Police Serious Crash Investigation is currently being completed at the scene.

Police are eager to here from a truck driver who may have advised other truck drivers of a cyclist seen riding in the same vicinity prior to the accident.

Details of the deceased will be released once the next of kin have been advised.