WASHINGTON — A police investigator from Brazil, Carlos Silva, 48, died following a collision on the downhill portion of a World Police & Fire Games bicycling event.
Investigators from the Prince William County Police Department determined that while a group was racing downhill, one of the bicyclists sustained a front tire blowout, which caused a chain reaction collision with other bicyclists. Three of the participants in the collision sustained severe injuries.
Members of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, standing by at the event, rendered immediate aid. The injured athletes were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Silva died at the hospital several hours later. The other two bicyclists, a 43-year-old man and a 44-year-old man, are in critical condition.
The incident occurred on a closed cycling course on within the park. All bicyclists were wearing safety equipment at the time of the crash. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and two off duty Fairfax County police officers watching the event, also supported and provided aid.
“On behalf of the Prince William County Police Department, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased athlete, Carlos Silva,” said Major Steve Thompson, acting Prince William County Police Chief. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the other injured athletes, fellow team mates, and the public safety family throughout the world.”