A gravel bike racer and automobile driver were killed in a car crash during the Long Swamp gravel race in New South Wales, Australia on Saturday.

Around 15:30 dozens of emergency service vehicles, including paramedics, police, fire crews and two rescue helicopters were called to Long Swamp Road after reports of a mass casualty incident involving a car and cyclists.

Upon arrival, rescue workers discovered one of the cyclists, 60+ year-old Professor Andrew Swan, deceased, with three other cyclists aged 57, 39 and 14 critically injured.

Police believe the automobile plowed into the cyclist before running off the road and into a tree. The driver, a female in her 30s, was trapped in the vehicle and extracted shortly before the vehicle burst into flames. She later died at hospital.

All four cyclists were members of the Armidale Cycling Club.

Former club president Mark Bullen told ABC news the incident has left members in total shock.

“Every person I spoke to, they said they’re numb. It has devastated the community and it’s going to be ongoing for quite a long time.”

Police continue to investigate circumstances surrounding the crash.

Photo Credit: ABC

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