UPDATE: Cyclist hit by taxi in Cape Town dies

In a shocking incident that took place on Easter Monday, reports came to light that a taxi had crashed into a group of cyclists on Victoria Road near the iconic Twelve Apostles hotel in Cape Town.

One cyclist suffered severe injuries and had to be airlifted from the scene, and that victim is now said to have passed away.

Democratic Alliance MP and chairperson of Parliament’s police portfolio committee, Ian Cameron, took to Facebook to share the horrific news: “The cyclist that was critically injured by this reckless taxi driver yesterday has just passed away… Absolutely heartbreaking.”

The CEO of Pedal Power Association, Neil Robinson, also confirmed to SmileFM that “his heart stopped earlier this morning due to the trauma he suffered”.

The cyclist was named as 61-year-old cyclist, Landon Lagrange.

SHOCKING INCIDENT HAS RATTLED THE CAPE TOWN CYCLING COMMUNITY

Reports suggest the taxi driver attempted to overtake several vehicles on a blind corner near the Twelve Apostles, and subsequently veered onto the shoulder of the road where the cyclists were riding.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, while there were fortunately doctors among those present who were able to initially stabilise the severely injured cyclist.

After arriving at hospital with serious injuries to a leg and to internal organs, every effort was made to save the cyclist who had to undergo a leg amputation, and remained in critical condition.

Sadly, the cyclist passed away on Tuesday.

Soon after the accident took place on Monday morning, Cameron had provided the following update: “One cyclist has just had to have his leg amputated due to this incident and this criminal driver. Both arms broken and massive liver damage.

“I am told a reckless and negligent driving case will be opened against the taxi driver who tried to overtake several vehicles around a corner and drove into the oncoming cyclists.

“I would say attempted murder should be the charge.”

Investigation underway

Authorities have confirmed that a reckless and negligent driving case has been opened, although no arrests have been made as yet. It’s reported that the driver fled the scene after the incident.

Meanwhile, Pedal Power’s Neil Robinson said that early indications suggest the taxi had attempted to overtake another vehicle before losing control of the situation.

“As the person, the second he was hit, from what I understand, the taxi was coming around the Twelve Apostles, tried to overtake someone, overshot, went into the shoulder of the road and hit the cyclist.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.