A survivor of the tragic British Superbikes crash at Oulton Park has broken his silence on social media following the deaths of two riders in an 11-bike pile-up.
The horrific incident occurred on Monday when eleven riders fell at turn one during the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both lost their lives as a result of the crash.
The remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled due to the severity of the incident.
A devastating crash at Oulton Park on Monday led to the deaths of two riders
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Jenner was treated trackside but died from what officials described as a 'catastrophic' head injury despite resuscitation attempts at the circuit's medical centre.
Richardson suffered severe chest injuries and was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital but died prior to arrival.
The harrowing scenes were caught live on television as one rider lost control coming out of the first turn, leading to a deadly chain reaction as nearly a dozen riders fell from their superbikes.
Richardson was part of the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team, while Jenner was rider number 86.
Morgan McLaren-Wood, who survived the crash with only minor injuries, took to Instagram Stories to express his condolences.
"Struggling to find the words for what happened today," McLaren-Wood wrote. "Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time."
Michael McCleod, president of Motorcycling New Zealand, paid tribute to Richardson, saying: "It's a tragic shock to the motorcycle racing community in New Zealand because he's such a well-respected competitor and mentor to a lot of young up-and-coming riders."
McLaren-Wood was one of five riders who escaped with minor injuries in the pile-up. Others with minor injuries included Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall and Freddie Barnes.
Three other riders involved in the crash emerged unscathed.
Morgan McLaren-Wood issued a heartbreaking statement on social media
Tom Tunstall, 47, sustained more serious injuries, described as "significant back and abdominal injuries" and was transferred to hospital for further treatment.
The crash occurred at Old Hall corner, with one rider losing control which sparked the chain reaction involving the other competitors.
Cheshire Constabulary have confirmed an investigation into the crash is underway, working alongside the Coroner and racing authorities.
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Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both tragically lost their lives
"Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon," a police spokesperson said.
MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) issued a statement explaining that "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."
The race was immediately stopped when the incident occurred, with trackside medical services quickly deployed.
