Survivor of horror British Superbikes Championship crash breaks silence after two riders were killed
A survivor of the horror British Superbikes Championship crash has broken their silence.
Two riders were tragically killed yesterday (5 May) in a 'catastrophic collision' involved 11 riders on the course in Oulton Park, Cheshire.
One rider lost control on the turn of the first corner during the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship which sparked a deadly chain reaction as nearly a dozen fell from their superbikes.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both died before making it to hospitals. Morgan McLaren-Wood was among those involved in the fatal crash and was luckily one of the five riders who escaped with minor injuries. Three others made it out unscathed.
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He took to his Instagram Story following the incident, reposting an image of Jenner and Richardson.
"Struggling to find the words for what happened today," he wrote.
"Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time."
Rider number 86, Jenner was treated trackside before he was taken to the circuit medical centre as medics tried to revive him. The lad, from East Sussex, was airlifted to hospital but sadly died before arriving as organisers MotorSport Vision Racing said he passed away from a 'catastrophic head injury'.
And rider number 28, Richardson was also taken to the medical centre with 'severe chest injuries' and tragically died while he was being taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital. The New Zealand native was a part of the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team.
A third racer, Tom Tunstall, 47, sustained 'significant back and abdominal injuries' and was transferred to hospital for further treatment.
Cheshire Police are investigating the crash as it confirmed it was working with the Coroner and racing officials.
"Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon," the force said.
"Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.
"The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Police."
A statement from MotorSport Vision Racing explained that the fatal collision took place as riders were 'exiting turn one on the first lap', known as Old Hall corner, saying there was a 'chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling'.
"The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed," the statement from organisers said.
"Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.
"This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.
"The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary."
Jess Battison