First casualty of London Olympics; cyclist dead

London, Aug 2: In what can be termed as black spots to the London Olympics fervour, first casualty in the London Games has been reported when a double-decker bus carrying journalists to the Games hit a cyclist leading to his death. The incident happened on Wednesday night, according to police and organisers.

The Metropolitan Police revealed that the 28-year-old cyclist was pronounced dead half an hour after the fatal accident. The tragic incident occurred near the boundary of Olympic Park, which is the complex surrounding the landmark Olympic stadium. A man in his mid-60s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by negligent driving. The person is presently in the custody of the east London police station.

In a statement released by the London Olympic organising committee, it said, "The police are investigating the accident and our thoughts are with the cyclist's family."

The accident happened near facilities for Paralympic athletes and the Olympic Velodrome. Following the accident, the bus transportation was stalled for more than two hours and alternate arrangements were made for the journalists travelling to and fro from their hotels to the various games venues.

OneIndia News