Oulton Park crash LIVE: Updates as Superbike duo dead and police launch investigation
Two riders have tragically died in a horror multi-bike crash in the British Supersport Championship. Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, were killed, while Tom Tunstall remains in hospital having suffered significant injuries.
Jenner died from a catastrophic head injury after being treated trackside before being taken for further treatment in the circuit medical centre. Richardson suffered severe chest injuries and had been taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital, but died prior to his arrival.
Racing was abandoned at Oulton Park following the 11-bike crash as paramedics raced to treat those who suffered injuries. Tunstall and five other riders were treated on the track. A further three - Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker and George Edwards remarkably escaped without injury.
Cheshire Police have since launched an investigation.
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MotorSport Vision Racing described the 11-bike pile-up as a "chain reaction" on Turn 1.
A statement from the organiser read: “At the start of this afternoon’s Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.
“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.”
Three of the eight riders who were treated for the injuries have spoken publicly.
Freddie Barnes wrote on Instagram at around 9pm: “Thanks for the messages. I'm in hospital waiting to be seen, but I count myself incredibly lucky. My condolences go out to Owen and Shane's family and friends. I'm absolutely devastated, I have no words. Ride on in paradise boys. Keep fighting Tom and my thoughts are with other riders involved.
Meanwhile, a statement on Lewis Jones’ Facebook page read: “On behalf of Lewis and the team we wanted to reach out to let everyone know Lewis is fine .Our heartfelt condolences go out to families, friends and teams of the riders we have lost today. Thanks also to the Medics, Marshals and officials.”
Morgan McLaren-Wood, who shared his New Zealand nationality with Richardson, wrote on Instagram: “Struggling to find the words for what happened today. Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time.”
We still await on update on Tom Tunstall. The 47-year-old was taken to hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.
Shane Richardson said he was ‘looking forward’ to the British Superbike Championship race in his final public message before he was tragically killed.
The New Zealander was one of two casualties, along with Owen Jenner, in the 11-bike pile-up.
"The sprint race was good," he said before the race. "[I had a] bad start, went backwards quite a few positions.
“But we managed to figure it out and get some good consistent pace going, matching the times with a few of the boys ahead of us. So yeah, looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully get a better start and be a bit more in the mix."
Tom Tunstall, 47, remains in hospital after suffering significant back and abdominal injuries.
He is being treated at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
We will provide a further update as we get it.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, have died following the incident at Oulton Park.
Jenner suffered a catastrophic head injury and could not be saved in the circuit medical centre.
Richardson was taken to hospital with chest injuries but died before his arrival.
Scottish rider Rory Skinner, a former Superbike champion, said on Instagram: "Progressed today but don’t have a lot to say… Gutted is an understatement. The sport can be too cruel at times. Thoughts and condolences to everyone and their families involved in today’s incident."
Morgan McLaren-Wood, one of the 11 riders involved, said: “Struggling to find the words for what happened today..
“Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time.”
Cheshire Police have launched an investigation into the incident at Oulton Park.
A statement read: "Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday, May 5).
"Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.
"Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled. The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29).
"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."
Daily Express
