RICHMOND, Va. -- A female bicyclist was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries Thursday after she was hit by a truck on Erich Road in South Richmond.
The victim, described as a female in her twenties, was traveling on the road near Midlothian Turnpike when the truck from the Celedon Trucking Company entered the road and struck her, according to Richmond Police spokesman James Mercante.
"This is a terrible situation and I can't remember a worse Thursday," said Raymond Norvell, a manager with the trucking company.
Police have charged the truck driver, 57-year-old Franklin Hills, with reckless driving.
"From what I could see, and I am no way an investigator, it looked like he hit somewhat of a drag," Norvell said.
Norvell said Hills had only been with Celedon for a few weeks, but said he has 30 years experience and all the right credentials."
Raymond Norvell
"The guy made all the requirements to hire him. He's been with us a couple weeks," Norvell explained.
This is the second serious cycling accident this week. An 18-year-old died in Ashland after getting hit on Sunday.
"It is a little bit scary when you hear about it," Simon Valencia with Carytown Bicycle Company said.
"A cyclist is entitled to just as much of the road as a car is -- we are riding a vehicle," Valencia added.
The Richmond Police Department Crash Team is investigating the incident. Anyone with additional information can submit a news tip here
