Ten spectators were taken to hospital following a crash on the opening lap of the Senior TT race in the Isle of Man on Friday. Race organisers confirmed that none of the injuries are life-threatening, although one person has been seriously injured.
The incident occurred just after 13:00 BST on Bray Hill, a fast downhill section less than a mile from the start. The rider involved, Jonathan Howarth from Barnsley, sustained a minor fracture. ACU Events Ltd stated that five spectators remained in hospital for treatment, with one in the emergency department.
Witness Stuart Plant described the scene as 'chaos' and reported seeing 'flying debris', adding that the bike appeared to 'hit the crowd opposite at some speed'. Another witness, John Leonard, said the rider lost control of the bike, which was 'fishtailing at phenomenal speed', before sliding into a lamppost and walking away.
Manx Radio reporter David Harrison, also a spectator, said the bike completely disintegrated, with the wheel and petrol tank flying across the road and over his head. Bray Hill is one of the most popular vantage points for TT spectators.
The race restarted at 16:30 and was won by Morecambe's John McGuinness, who set a new race record in claiming his 20th TT triumph.
