A 62-year-old motorcyclist has been killed and a pillion passenger has been left fighting for their life following a crash on the outskirts of Niton and Whitwell last night (Wednesday).
Emergency services were called to the T-junction of Southford Lane and Newport Road at around 20:39 when a green Kawasaki motorcycle was involved in a collision with a yellow VW Transporter campervan.
The severity of the situation quickly became apparent and 2 air ambulances were scrambled to the scene to assist crews from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. Police descended on the area at 20:47 and firefighters from Ventnor were later requested for scene safety.
Despite the best efforts of all involved, the life of the 62-year-old local male could not be saved and he was pronounced dead at the scene. After a long period of specialist trauma care, the motorcyclist’s 58-year-old female pillion passenger was flown to Southampton General Hospital where she remains in a critical condition this afternoon.
No details on the condition of the occupant(s) of the VW Transporter involved in the crash have been released, indicating they escaped serious injury.
Island Echo understands the collision occurred at the entrance to the Public Bridleway/access road to Moor Hills Farm, just a few metres from the junction with Southford Lane. A nearby wall has been damaged.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance initially landed at Southford Lane at around 21:15 before quickly taking off and relocating to the helipad at St Mary’s Hospital. Less than 20 minutes later the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance touched down in Whitwell and remained on scene until around 22:30.
Road closures remained in place overnight whilst 3 teams from the mainland-based Collision Investigation Unit conducted a forensic examination of the scene. The specialist officers arrived on scene at 23:00 and had concluded their investigations by 06:30.
Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has said:
“We are investigating the exact circumstances of the collision and are keen to speak to anyone with information.
“Were you in the area at the time? Perhaps you saw either vehicle in the run up to the collision? It is possible the rider and passenger were at the biker’s event on Military Road before the collision.
Anyone who saw the collision or has any information, or dashcam footage, is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary by calling 101 and quoting Operation Overlay / 44200241182.
Thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased and critically injured passenger. Hoping that she pulls through
Rip hope pillion makes full recovery
With so many recent accidents maybe we should all be more vigilant when using the roads? Pedestrians, motorcyclists, drivers, and cyclists all need to consider the dangers and risks that we face when using the road network.
Hopefully the speculators and the Facebook experts will spare a thought for the relatives of the gentleman who has sadly died and of his pillion passenger.
Be careful everyone.
So so sad rip
Will the editor please stop the adverts for motor caravans from appearing next to this story.
the ad is what you have searched you only get it if you’ve searched something related to it or it
It is AI artificial intelligence selecting the ads.
Motor caravan was mentioned in the story.
I have never searched for motor caravan or similar.
How awful, Rest in peace and condolences to the gentleman’s family and friends. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured lady.
Just recently there seem to have been so many more road accidents on the Island…some of them are ending up with such sad outcomes.
Condolences and thoughts to those who have been sadly hurt as families and friends….and best wishes for swift recovery for others injured.
So sorry for the family and loved ones we’ve been left behind been here myself in 2015 ride safe my friend in heaven