Two Bikers Killed by Vehicle During Hampton Race

[Story originally posted at 11:57 a.m. Updated at 12:13 p.m.]


Two bicyclists succumbed to injuries at a local hospital Saturday morning after they were struck by a vehicle during a race along Ocean Boulevard in Hampton.

Hampton police said the investigation is still ongoing, although they said preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle struck at least five individuals around 8:30 a.m. on the Neil R. Underwood Memorial Bridge, which spans Route 1A over Hampton River and Hampton Harbor.


Five ambulances were used to transport the bicyclists to area hospitals for various undisclosed injuries.

Police are withholding the names of the individuals as they work to notify family members.
The bridge and several surrounding roads were closed for hours Saturday as officers investigated the scene. 
The bicyclists were participating in the 40th Annual Seacoast Century ride, which is a non-competitive race that started at 7 a.m. at Hampton Beach State Park, commonly known as South Beach.

The following is an excerpt from the event's rules: 

"All riders must follow all rules of the road, ride single file in traffic, not block the roadways, and walk across bridges if so directed. Rider numbers and helmets must be worn at all times. Riders will be monitored by the local police departments to help ensure safe riding practices are followed."

Police asked anyone with information about the accident to contact the Hampton Police Department at 929-4444 or the Crimeline for the Hamptons at 929-1222.