VICTORIA — A Victoria-area cyclist has survived being dragged about half a kilometre after a harrowing tangle with a semi-trailer.
Lada Cumpelik was riding to work in Saanich, B.C., just outside Victoria, on Wednesday morning when he says the big rig turned right unexpectedly, directly in front of him.
The 37-year-old says he tried to stop but skidded under the truck as it began to pick up speed.
Cumpelik describes grabbing the truck's under carriage and hanging on while screaming for help as several motorists pulled alongside to alert the truck driver.
Saanich Police Sgt. Ron Stewart estimates the semi reached speeds of about 50 kilometres per hour before the driver realized something was wrong and pulled over.
Stewart is amazed Cumpelik survived with just a broken shoulder, fractured ribs and extensive road rash.
