A 56-year-old Wellington woman out training with her daughter for a triathlon died this morning when her bike and a 4 x 4 vehicle collided in the city.
Senior Sergeant Tony Smith, Wellington Police, said the fatality, which happened on the corner of Rolleston and Wallace Streets, Mt Cook, was an absolute tragedy.
"Rolleston Street is quite steep and it appears the mother lost control of her bike while out on a training ride with her daughter," he said. "She rode out into Wallace Street and was struck by a west bound vehicle driving towards Taranaki Street."
Senior Sergeant Smith said an ambulance was called and numerous people rushed to assist the woman, her very distressed daughter and the driver of the vehicle. Despite their frantic efforts the woman died a short time after reaching Wellington Hospital.
Wallace Street was closed from 6.35am until 9am and traffic diversions put in place while paramedics worked on the woman and police examined the crash scene for evidence. Police acknowledge the closure caused extensive problems for commuters and thank people for their patience.
"Police staff, including the CIB and serious crash unit, needed to carefully examine the scene looking for some very minute pieces of evidence which will help explain the cause of the crash for the coroner and the woman's family.
"The scene examination was completed as quickly as possible so we could get traffic moving again."
The woman's bike and the vehicle will also be examined.
"I don't think we can under-estimate how distressing this crash was, particularly for the woman's family and the vehicle driver."
Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash. People who can help with information are asked to contact Detective Doug McGuire, Wellington CIB.
The woman's name will be released once all her immediate next of kin are notified.