By Tom Degun at the Main Press Centre on the Olympic Park in London

London 2012_bus_accident_with_bridge_August_1_2012August 2 - London 2012 has said investigations into the death of the cyclist killed by a media bus last night are still ongoing.


The tragic incident occurred as a result of a collision between the bus and the cyclist just outside the Olympic Park with the cyclist pronounced dead at 8.14pm GMT.

The bus driver, in his mid-60s, was arrested at the scene shortly after on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The dead was named as Dan Harris, a 28-year-old web expert who was cycling home to Ilford from work.

The double-decker bus that caused the fatality was one of the fleet of vehicles that shuttles thousands of journalists between the Olympic Park, Olympic venues and central London.

However, London 2012 admitted it is still unsure of the accident's full details.

"A local cyclist tragically died yesterday following a collision with a bus carrying media from the Olympic Park," said London 2012 director of communications and public affairs Jackie Brock-Doyle at a press conference here.

"Police are investigating it and our thoughts are with the cyclist's family and friends at this time.

"The police are asking for any media who were in that bus, if they have got any footage or anything to say, could they come forward."

Bus accident_police_guard_scene_August_2_2012Rescuers and policemen stand at the site of an accident outside the Olympic Park, after a man was killed as his bicycle was involved in a collision with a media shuttle bus

The incident is a blow to London 2012 at an Olympic Games that has been widely praised for its positive atmosphere.

British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Colin Moynihan has also passed his condolences to the family of the cyclist and said that he supported the compulsory use of helmets after it was reported that the cyclist was not wearing one.

"It was a tragic event and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the cyclist," said Moynihan.

"A number of people have been campaigning actively for the use of helmets as a mandatory requirement and I can assure you that should that come before Parliament.

"I will have full support for that campaign."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2012: London 2012 bus driver arrested after cyclist killed at Olympic Park