A Hermiston man was struck and killed by a semi-truck Monday night while riding his bike near the Highway 395-Elm Street intersection.
Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston said the truck driver continued on after hitting the bicyclist until police stopped him on Highway 730 near the Washington border. Edmiston did not say if the driver was aware of the accident.
Edmiston said officers were called around 8:19 p.m. regarding a collision between a semi-truck and bicyclist. Edmiston said a Umatilla County Fire District 1 battalion chief arrived on the scene within a minute of the call while HPD units arrived moments later to secure the scene.
The police chief said the initial investigation indicates the driver of the semi-truck was making a right-hand turn off Highway 395 onto E. Elm Avenue. During the course of the turn, the semi-truck came into contact with a 55-year-old Hermiston man riding a bicycle. The semi-truck continued to travel eastbound. The Oregon State Police (OSP) assisted in stopping the truck near the Washington border. An HPD officer drove to the area and brought the driver of the truck to the police station for a statement.
The bicyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene. The OSP conducted a crash reconstruction at the accident scene.
The names of the bicyclist and truck driver have not been released. HPD chaplains will be counseling the family of the bicyclist.
Edmiston said part of the accident was captured on video.
“At this point it is too early in the investigation to speculate all factors involved for what transpired,” Edmiston said. “Because of the dangers at this intersection, we do have it under video surveillance and this incident was partially captured. We will use that evidence and other information gleaned during the investigation to present to the district attorney’s office. Other factors considered in matters such as this will be speed, visibility of the bicyclist, any potential impairment from all parties involved, witness statements, etc.”
