UPDATED: The main road between Shanklin and Ventnor has been closed this afternoon (Tuesday) as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance attends to a cyclist who has been seriously injured following a collision with a car.
Emergency services were called to the scene close to the Devil’s Chimney on Bonchurch Road at just gone 14:00.
Island Echo understands the cyclist has been involved in a collision with a car before coming to rest slumped on the pavement.
The life-saving yellow and green air ambulance has landed in a field at Luccombe Village as on board doctors and paramedics attend to the casualty alongside colleagues from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Ventnor’s Co-Responder.
The road has been closed at Shanklin Old Village and at the turning for Bonchurch. Access to Luccombe is maintained from Shanklin.
Southern Vectis buses are diverting via Wroxall until further notice.
UPDATE @ 16:05 – The casualty – understood to be male – has been conveyed down a track via ambulance, lifted over a stile and into to the awaiting air ambulance.
Hampshire Constabulary have now confirmed that no vehicle has been involved in the incident, contrary to the initial information supplied by the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. It is unclear at this stage as to why the cyclist fell.
It is thought the casualty has been sedated for the journey to Southampton General Hospital, indicating the seriousness of the injuries sustained.
UPDATE @ 16:25 – The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has now taken off from the scene and is en-route to Southampton.
Bonchurch Road is expected to remain closed for the foreseable future as investigations are carried out.
UPDATE @ 17:56 – The mainland-based Collision Investigation Unit have now arrived at Bonchurch Road to conduct an examination of the scene in an attempt to piece together the events of this afternoon.
The road is expected to remain closed in both directions for a few more hours.
UPDATE @ 20:50 – Bonchurch Road has now reopened to traffic.
Southern Vectis buses are resuming a normal service.
