The other man killed was working at the fireworks stand when the crash happened around 5:30 p.m., Manlapaz said.
The truck driver and a passenger were taken to hospitals, he said.
According to Manlapaz’s account of the incident, the truck was heading north on Minnesota Avenue when the driver lost control of the vehicle, ran a red light and hit the cyclist. The truck continued, scrambling up the sidewalk and hurtling into the fireworks stand.
It was not immediately clear why the vehicle spun out of control. However, officials said the driver may have suffered a medical emergency.
Driver or passenger status information was not immediately available.
A photograph showed that the stand was badly damaged in the incident. It showed a sagging awning that was once supported by poles that had now fallen or toppled.
Containers believed to contain cargo appeared scattered along with other debris.
However, there was no indication that any fireworks went off, police said.
It was unclear how long the stand had been operating at the corner of Minnesota Avenue. Saturday’s incident happened two days before July 4, when fireworks are part of many people’s observance, and at a time when temporary stalls are springing up along many roadsides to respond on seasonal demand.
Some fireworks are legal in the district, according to the DC Fire Department website. They include torches, box lights, fountains and sparklers under 20 inches, the website said.
The scene took place near the neighborhood of Deanwood, south of Kenilworth Park and Water Gardens, and about a mile south of the district’s border with Prince George’s County.
The names of those involved in the incident have not been released.
PIO has proceeded to the scene of the major accident and will set up a media briefing area at Minnesota Ave & Hunt Place NE. Preliminary report of a vehicle in a fireworks stand with several pedestrians struck. Further information to come
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) July 2, 2022
This story is growing and will be updated.
