Police are appealing for witnesses and carrying out an investigation after a cyclist riding a Lime hire e-bike died in a collision with a driver of a lorry on Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia on the morning of Wednesday 24 May. The crash happened at the junction with Howland Street.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson told the Evening Standard: “We were called at 7.41am to reports of a road traffic collision on Fitzroy Street [sic].
“We sent two ambulance crews, a medic in a fast response car and an incident response officer to the scene. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.
“Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a person was pronounced dead at the scene,” said the statement.
The driver of the 32 tonne tipper truck was leaving a Keltbray construction site, the Network Building, 95-100 Tottenham Court Road, which is being developed by Derwent London.
The driver of the truck drove out of the site at the corner of Whitfield Street and Howland Street and proceeded west along Howland Street before turning left into Charlotte Street — a route that should not have been used.
According to the construction management plan agreed with Camden Council, lorry drivers leaving the site should continue along Howland Street, then on to New Cavendish Street, then turn right towards the Marylebone Road. And vehicle movements from the site should not take place before 9.30am.
Questions will now be asked about why the construction management plan — which requires numerous safety requirements to protect pedestrians and cyclists — was not adhered to with regard to the time of the vehicle movement and the route taken.
Keltbray have been instructed to stop work on the Network Building site while an investigation is carried out.
In a statement to Fitzrovia News a spokesperson for Keltbray said:
“Keltbray is aware that during Wednesday 24 May, a road traffic accident [sic] occurred on the public highway near Keltbray’s Network Building project site in central London, involving one of its sub-contractor’s lorries and a cyclist, in which the cyclist tragically sustained fatal injuries.
“The thoughts of the Keltbray leadership team and the entire workforce at Keltbray’s Built Environment Division are with the family and friends of all those involved at this very difficult time.
“Keltbray is supporting the police, emergency services and our subcontractor in their investigations as required. While investigations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
A Derwent London spokesperson said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the fatal road traffic accident [sic] in Fitzrovia on Wednesday. Our condolences and sympathies go to the individual’s family and friends. A full investigation is underway and we are liaising with all parties, including Camden Council.”
A Camden Council spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone who knew the cyclist who has sadly died.
“We are working closely with the police who are investigating the incident to understand its circumstances.”
In a public statement and appeal the Metropolitan Police said: “The driver of the lorry stopped at the scene. There have been no arrests.”
The cyclist, who is yet to be officially named, is believed to be aged in his 20s and his next of kin have been informed, said the Met Police. Messages placed at the collision site name him as Howie.
Detectives ask witnesses or anyone with dashcam to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8246 9820. Alternatively, call 101 or tweet @MetCC ref CAD 1330/24 May. To remain 100 percent anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with more information several times since first published.