Cyclist injured in collision

A 49-year-old Spokane bicyclist was in critical condition late Wednesday after being struck by a 1-ton pickup truck at a dangerous east Spokane intersection, police said.

The bicyclist, identified as Ricky Werner, was southbound on Napa Street when he was struck by the truck headed west on Trent Avenue about 1:30 p.m., Spokane police Sgt. Joe Walker said.

The truck bore the logo of Platt Electric Supply in Spokane. Police later identified the driver as Corey Wemp, 24, of Spokane. He was interviewed by officers at the scene of the collision.

Investigating Officer Kim Thomas said there were conflicting statements by witnesses about whether the truck or the bicycle had the green light to enter the intersection, and the collision is still under investigation.

Wemp has not been ticketed, he said.

A police incident investigation team closed the intersection to traffic Wednesday afternoon while it worked at the accident scene.

Skid marks left by the truck as it applied its brakes through the intersection will determine the exact speed of the truck at the time of the collision, said Walker, who added that it appeared Wemp did not reduce speed before entering the intersection.

Witnesses told Walker the bicyclist, who was headed downhill, was traveling about 25 mph through the intersection.

The hood of the truck, which appeared to be transporting building materials, was caved in from the force of the impact with Werner. His mountain bicycle and a boot lay nearby.

Walker said Werner, who was not wearing a helmet, appeared to have head injuries, as well as a broken leg and ribs.

Werner underwent treatment at the Deaconess Medical Center emergency room, according to hospital spokeswoman Janice Marich.

He was listed in critical condition Wednesday evening, a nursing supervisor said.

Walker said the Napa-Trent intersection has been the scene of numerous traffic accidents.

“We’ve had some pretty good car-versus-car wrecks at this intersection,” he said.