Cyclist killed after crash involving flatbed truck in east London

London police have identified the cyclist who died following a crash in the city’s east end Wednesday

Just before 10 a.m. Thursday, police revealed 79-year-old Melvin Hodgins of London was killed after he collided with a flatbed truck on Adelaide Street.

Const. Sandasha Bough says Hodgins, who was riding his bike, and the vehicle were both heading southbound on Adelaide, just north of Dundas Street, near police headquarters around 12 p.m. Wednesday.

“The adult male cyclist was transported to hospital with serious injuries, and he’s since succumbed to those injuries,” said Bough.

“At this time, there are no other reported injuries.”

The death comes amid London Celebrates Cycling, a week filled with events dedicated to promoting cycling awareness in the city.

Cycling advocate and owner of London Bicycle Café, Ben Cowie, told 980 CFPL that Wednesday’s death was an “unnecessary tragedy”.

“The Ontario Coroner found that 100 per cent of cycling deaths on our roads for the past five years were preventable,” said Cowie.

“The city hasn’t acted on that to a point that has prevented these deaths. Especially Wednesday’s.”

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A section of Adelaide Street was closed between Dundas Street and Queens Avenue. Police have confirmed to 980 CFPL that it has since reopened.

“The traffic management unit is actually looking at everything right now, and we’re asking if anybody was in the area, or if anybody has any information at all, give us a call or speak to one of the officers on scene.”

It’s unclear whether police will be laying charges.

— With files from 980 CFPL’s Andrew Graham