One dead, 22 injured as vehicle hits group of cyclists

One person was killed and 22 others injured when a vehicle struck a group of people riding bicycles on Saturday morning in Wake County, North Carolina. Officials suspect the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Seven of the injured were admitted to trauma centres and 15 to nearby hospitals, said Holly Springs fire chief LeRoy Smith of the accident, which happened at about 9.35 am.

Local reports say the vehicle crossed the road's centre line and hit the cyclists. The Wake County Sheriff's Office said the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

The accident occurred in the Holly Springs area, about 14 miles southwest of the state capital Raleigh. Officials are expected to release further details about the person killed and those injured; the investigation is continuing.

The crash is among the most serious involving a group of cyclists in the state in recent years. Authorities have not yet said whether the driver has been arrested or what charges may follow, and said more information will be made public as the inquiry progresses.