Five cyclists allegedly mowed down in early morning hit-and-run

A group of five cyclists have been injured in an early-morning hit-and-run incident in northern Queensland.

The cyclists were taken to Townsville Hospital after being struck at about 5.40am on Wednesday when a car allegedly drove into the pack near Bamford Lane on Dalrymple Road in Mount Louisa.

Police said the vehicle then left the scene, leaving a 51-year-old woman behind with serious injuries, and a 36-year-old man, 49-year-old woman, a woman in her 50s and a 58-year-old man with various injuries.

Townsville police later recovered a Toyota Rav 4 believed to be involved in the incident, with a photo showing an officer inspecting what appeared to be blood spattered on its front passenger door.

The vehicle’s windscreen was smashed in, its side mirror was dislodged and the bumper was visibly dented in several spots.

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It was located about 3.5km from the scene of the crash, The Townsville Bulletin reported.

Police do not suspect the vehicle to be stolen and say it has no link to recent property crime being committed across Townsville.

“Investigations are continuing by both Townsville detectives and investigators from the Forensic Crash Unit,” Inspector Damien Crosby said.

“We would like to thank the public for the assistance and information provided to date.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan told parliament his thoughts were with the injured cyclists.

“I have no doubt that this incident will hit Townsville's cycling community hard,” he said.

Images from the aftermath of the collision showed police on the scene where fives bikes laid crumpled up on the bitumen.

On Wednesday afternoon, Townsville detectives charged a 28-year-old man over the incident.

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