2 bicyclists killed, 1 injured by suspected DUI driver on PCH near Solimar Beach

Two bicyclists were killed and a third was injured after a suspected drunk driver veered into a bike lane along Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County on Thursday evening, authorities said. According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 7:08 p.m. on northbound State Route 1 near Solimar Beach Road and involved a gray Nissan Frontier pickup truck and three bicyclists traveling in the designated bike lane. Investigators said the Nissan was traveling northbound at approximately 50 to 55 mph when, for reasons still under investigation, it veered onto the right shoulder and entered the bicycle lane. The truck then struck all three cyclists from behind before continuing northbound, crashing into a metal guardrail and coming to rest on the shoulder. Several witnesses stopped to help the injured riders before emergency crews arrived. One bicyclist suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, CHP said. A second cyclist sustained major injuries and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where he later died.  The third bicyclist suffered minor to moderate injuries and was also taken to the hospital for treatment, CHP said. During the investigation, officers determined the driver of the Nissan Frontier was under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest, according to CHP. The driver was identified only as a 24-year-old man from Oxnard. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the cyclists as family notifications are still pending. State Route 1 at Solimar Beach Road was closed in both directions for approximately four hours while investigators examined the scene and recovered the vehicle. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information related to the incident is urged to contact the CHP Ventura Area office.