*This content was translated by AI.
In Tennessee, U.S., a vehicle struck a university cycling team that was training, resulting in the deaths of two people and serious injuries to seven others.
Britain's 'The Sun' reported on the 20th (local time) that "two students from Milligan University's cycling team tragically lost their lives in a car collision."
The accident occurred early on the 12th on Highway 19E in Hampton, Carter County, Tennessee. Local broadcaster WJHL reported that one vehicle struck a group of students riding bicycles. Helicopters and emergency medical teams were rushed to the scene, but second-year students Hailen Endal and Brayden Rogers sadly died at the accident site.
The remaining seven team members were also seriously injured and urgently transported to Johnson City Medical Center. Two arrived by helicopter, while four are receiving intensive treatment in the surgical intensive care unit but remain in critical condition.
Milligan University issued a statement saying, "Words cannot express our grief," and urged people to "pray for all those affected by this tragedy and the university community."
Ballad Health, the medical foundation operating the hospital where the injured were transported, stated, "We express deep sorrow over this devastating incident. Trauma specialists are working closely with law enforcement authorities to respond."
Steven R. Finney, Carter County District Attorney, expressed his regret, saying, "These were not casual cycling clubs but an elite team that rode in a peloton," and added, "One of the victims had won a regional competition last weekend."
Police authorities have not disclosed specific details of the accident investigation. However, prosecutors charged the driver of the offending vehicle, John Benfield (69), with two counts of vehicular manslaughter due to reckless driving and five counts of aggravated assault, and he has been detained in jail.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
