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Car hits 4 bicyclists from church group, killing one, on Route 22 in Murrysville

MURRYSVILLE, Pa. — A car hit four bicyclists, killing one, early Thursday morning on Route 22 in Murrysville, officials said.

The crash happened about 4 a.m. on Route 22 eastbound at Brick Hill Road. Eastbound lanes of Route 22 were closed until just before 7:30 a.m.

Police said the bicyclists were part of a church group riding from Ohio to Altoona.

The bicyclist who was killed, Marcus Coblentz, 25, of Sugarcreek, Ohio, died at the scene, officials said.

“Very tragic. My advice: I wouldn’t go on Route 22 on a bicycle. It’s very unfortunate that this did happen, but they are allowed, as you know. Bicycles are allowed on highways, just as long as they’re not limited access roadways. In other words, like an interstate, turnpike, things like that,” Murrysville Police Chief Thomas Seefeld said.

The other three bicyclists were taken to a hospital and are expected to be OK, according to officials.

Police said the 16-year-old driver of the car was not hurt and stayed at the scene to talk with investigators. It is not suspected that drugs or alcohol were involved. A 17-year-old was also in the car and was not hurt.

When the car was towed away, the front and back windshields were visibly shattered.