(Scroll down for the latest – we’re still adding info and images)
ORIGINAL 8:32 AM REPORT: We’re on our way to a “heavy rescue” call where Admiral Way meets The Bridge – it’s a vehicle vs. bicyclist and Admiral is blocked in both directions, per the scanner. More as we get it. 8:37 AM: Adding a photo sent by Shauna Causey – the crew you see in the background is working to help the bicyclist, who was reportedly trapped under the vehicle. 8:52 AM: The bicyclist is out. We don’t know about their condition. This shot shows the rescuers and the raised vehicle (the patient is NOT in the shot):
WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand reports from the scene that an articulated bus got into trouble up the Admiral hill trying to turn around – it has been emptied and its passengers are now walking. (added 10:33 am, short clip showing them)
Again, stay away from Admiral north/west of The Bridge, since that’s where all this is unfolding. 9:04 AM: Briefing from authorities at the scene: The bicyclist, a man around 35-40, was coming down the Admiral hill, while the driver was going up – how the vehicle ended up over the bicyclist, is not yet clear. He’s been taken to Harborview Medical Center and was described as “relatively stable.” No word how long Admiral will be closed. 9:24 AM: They’re about to reopen an uphill lane – and the exit off the westbound bridge – but downhill will remain closed TFN; more investigators have just arrived. 9:32 AM: The northwest edge of the closure, by the way, is at the top of the hill at SW Olga (the pedestrian light). 10:19 AM: Heading back to the scene to check on the road. Meantime, some witnesses have posted in comments, including Susan, who writes:
I was ~6 cars behind the crash, here’s what I saw: I first noticed the bike because it had some type of bubble/windshield thing. I believe it was either in line with traffic or biking on the left side of the line of cars; I remember wondering if it was some type of small motorized vehicle because of the windscreen and its location in traffic. I saw the motorist turning left from Avalon and thought that the trajectory of car + bicycle/motorcycle thing didn’t look quite right. Then a car passed between me & the scene (in the opposite direction) blocking my view, and by the time it had passed the cyclist was under the car.
Rescuers had to cut up the bicycle as part of the extrication process – some of what was left can be seen in this photo:
ADDED 10:35 AM: Video of the earlier briefing from SFD Battalion Chief Phil Jose, who explained to us and other media at the scene how they got the bicyclist out, among other updates:
BOTTOM LINE (10:41 AM): To recap – a bicycle and car collided just before 8:30 am on Admiral Way by The Bridge. The bicyclist, a man described as 35-40, was trapped under the car; rescuers got him out, and he was described as “relatively stable” as he was rushed to the hospital. The car’s driver was not hurt. We will update Admiral’s traffic status shortly – en route back to see where things stand now. 11:22 AM: Admiral is still closed southbound/downhill from SW Olga to The Bridge; uphill, the outside lane remains open coming off The Bridge (etc.); investigators are still onscene. 11:40 AM: Also note: Route 56 is still rerouted; the detour from southbound Admiral atop the hill is putting a heavy load of traffic onto one-lane-each-way 35th SW north of Fauntleroy, so that is VERY slow going (we have just waited through about six lights to get the last few blocks to Fauntleroy. Also just got a call back from Harborview: The bicyclist is in serious condition, “headed to intensive care.” 12:58 PM: Admiral Way is now FULLY REOPENED, and the 56 is back to normal. 4:00 PM: We have published a separate followup with information from a comment regarding the bicyclist’s condition, plus SPD’s call for witnesses to get in touch with them – see that story here.
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