Two motorcyclists were tragically killed after a 'catastrophic' collision that involved 11 riders during a British Superbikes event.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both sustained fatal injuries in the horrific crash which occurred as competitors took the first corner during the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship on Monday (5 May).
The pair were among nearly a dozen riders who fell off their superbikes - which boast engines which can reach up to 200bhp - in the course of the race in Oulton Park, Cheshire, after one rider lost control on the turn.
It sparked a deadly chain reaction which resulted in multiple bikes smashing into each other, while one vehicle even caught fire as medics rushed to the scene.
Jenner, rider number 86, was treated trackside before being taken to the circuit medical centre as medics tried to revive him, but he sadly passed away from a 'catastrophic head injury', organisers MotorSport Vision Racing said.
He was airlifted to hospital but died before his arrival.
The lad, from Crowborough, East Sussex, was crowned the 2024 British GP2 champion after bagging 18 wins out of 20 race finishes and was signed to Rapid Honda.
Richardson, rider number 28, 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 competitor, 47-year-old Tom Tunstall, also sustained 'significant back and abdominal injuries' during the perilous pile-up and was transferred to hospital for further treatment.
Another five riders who experienced minor injuries were tended to in the medical centre, while three others escaped the incident unscathed.
Cheshire police investigating crash
Cheshire Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with the force saying it would be 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," Cheshire Police 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."
Tributes have flooded in for the late riders, with Australian competitor Ben Currie saying the loss was 'hard to put into words' in a poignant Instagram post.
"Gutted for everyone involved," he said. "Two of our finest men lost to the sport we love."
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'Catastrophic accident': organiser MotorSport Vision Racing releases statement
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."
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Olivia Burke