Elderly cyclist killed in road mishap in Kouvola

An elderly cyclist was killed in a road accident at Marjoniemi in Kouvola on Wednesday, police said in a press release.

The victim is identified as a 56-year-old mail delivery person of the national postal service operator Posti.

Police and Posti sources said that the accident took place at about noon when a private car skidded off the road at Savonkatu intersection on Marjoniementie and knocked down the cyclist at the roadside cycleway.

The on-duty postman, who was delivering mail by bicycle was critically injured in the accident.

Responding to an alarm, rescue service people rushed to the spot and tried to recover him, but he died on the spot.

After the accident the car driver continued to drive and hit a tree near the yard of an apartment building.

The police after the preliminary investigation suspected the driver of aggravated risky driving and aggravated manslaughter.

Members of the law enforcing agency, however, did not suspect influence of intoxicant in the accident.

The police and the Accident Investigation Board are investigating into the case to find out reason behind the accident.

Meanwhile, Posti in a statement expressed profound shock at the death of its on-duty mail delivery person.

"To our great sorrow, our colleague has died in a traffic accident today. Our thoughts are with the relatives and loved ones of our deceased colleague, and we want to share our condolences," said Timo Koskinen, Posti's Senior Vice President, Human Resources.

"The police are investigating the accident and are responsible for providing all information related to the accident. We will offer help and support to everyone in need in our work community," he said.