Two cyclists were killed and three others were badly injured after being struck Saturday in Michigan by a driver who was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, officials said.
The fatal collision occurred after 11 a.m. in Ionia County when an SUV “crossed the center line into northbound traffic while trying to pass another vehicle,” the local sheriff’s office said.
The bikers haven’t been identified, but the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office says each of the victims were men who were taking part in the Make-A-Wish Bicycle Tour, a fund-raising effort in which cyclists ride across Michigan.
Authorities also haven’t publicly named the suspect, who was arrested on two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, the sheriff’s office says.
The suspect was taken to the Ionia County Jail after receiving medical treatment.
One of the bikers who died was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was airlifted to a hospital in Grand Rapids before being pronounced.
“All three of the surviving cyclists had severe injuries” and were hospitalized, the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office said.
Each of the five cyclists were from eastern Michigan.
Officials say more information could be released this week as an investigation continues.
