Sunday night’s BSN Series semi-final between Redcar and Glasgow was abandoned after a shocking crash sent a bike hurtling into the crowd at the ECCO Arena.
The incident occurred in Heat 14 when Redcar’s guest rider Jake Allen lost control on the fourth bend and was thrown from his machine, which was catapulted over the safety fence and into spectators. The collision shattered part of the barrier and left several fans needing medical attention.
It was reported that three supporters were struck by the out-of-control bike. Paramedics were quickly on the scene, and witnesses said the injured fans were able to walk into the ambulance unaided.
“Right now our thoughts are only with the fans involved in the incident, it was a horrible moment and we just hope everyone is OK. The result doesn’t matter at this time," said Glasgow team manager Cami Brown.
Jake Allen's bike went flying into spectators after he lost control
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At the moment of the crash, Redcar were leading 43-41, leaving the overall aggregate score tied at 87-87. With the track fence destroyed and repairs impossible on the night, officials were left with no choice but to abandon the meeting.
The outcome of the tie will now be decided by the Speedway Control Bureau (SCB).
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“Obviously it’s a tricky situation with the semi-final equal on aggregate,” Brown added. “We will await further instructions from the SCB.”
The force of the impact splintered the fourth-bend fence “beyond immediate repair,” according to track officials, who halted proceedings as medical staff and race marshals worked to secure the area.
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The event was forced abandon the rest of the event after the barier could not be repaired
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The crowd was kept informed throughout the delay before the decision to abandon was made.
It was another cruel twist for Glasgow, who had earlier lost Freddy Hodder to a leg injury following a Heat 2 crash. The young rider received treatment on the track before being taken away for further assessment.
Allen, who escaped serious injury in the Heat 14 crash, has previously been at the centre of controversy.
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In August, the Australian rider was involved in a highly publicised on-track brawl with former British Speedway Champion Charles Wright at the same venue.
That altercation began when Wright collided with Allen after Heat 6, sending both riders to the ground. Allen reacted angrily, confronting his rival and throwing a punch before the pair wrestled to the floor. Officials and marshals eventually intervened to separate them.
Jake Allen was a guest rider at the event
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Sunday’s frightening incident has now turned attention toward safety measures at British speedway venues, though early indications suggest the injured fans avoided serious harm, steps will have to be put in place to improve spectator safety going forward.