An annual bike ride took a tragic turn Saturday when a car fatally struck two bicyclists and injured two others in Hampton, N.H., police said.
The crash occurred shortly after the beginning of the 40th Annual State Wheelman Tri-State Seacoast Century ride, when a vehicle crossed from the southbound lane of the Neil R. Underwood Memorial Bridge into the northbound lane, hitting the four bicyclists at around 8:30 a.m.
Two Massachusetts women were killed in the accident -- 60-year-old Pamela Wells of South Hamilton and 52-year-old Elise Bouchard of Danvers -- according to Hampton police. Two other bicyclists were taken to area hospitals for non-life threatening injuries.
The Wheelman ride takes place annually along the coastlines of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, according to the event’s website. Event organizers were not available for immediate comment.
The 20-year-old driver of the vehicle was taken to the Portsmouth Hospital for minor injuries. No charges had been filed as of Saturday afternoon. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.