UPDATED: Police, fire and ambulance crews are responding to a road traffic collision on Newport Road in Cowes this afternoon (Monday).
The incident, which is thought to involve a motorcyclist and a van, has occurred near to Northwood Business Park and BAE Systems.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have mobilised resources to the scene and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has 2 ambulances en-route having been called at just before 16:45.
Newport Road has been closed in both directions at its junction with Three Gates Road and at Northwood Garage.
Motorists and Southern Vectis Route 1 buses are diverting locally.
UPDATE @ 17:52 – The motorcyclist at the centre of the collision has been rushed to St Mary’s Hospital under a Police escort, indicating the serious of the situation. The extent of the casualty’s injuries is currently unknown, but they are thought to be serious and potentially life-threatening.
It appears that the motorcycle – possibly a KTM – has collided with a Vauxhall van. A lorry and car are also present at the scene.
Witnesses have described seeing a motorcycle overtaking cars ‘at speed’ just moments before the crash occurred.
Newport Road has been placed under a hard closure and the immediate scene has been cordoned off.
UPDATE @ 18:10 – Thames Valley Air ambulance has in the last few minutes landed at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport in what is thought to be a medical evacuation of the motorcyclist to a mainland hospital.
Meanwhile else where on the Island, paramedics are attending to another motorcyclist at Firestone Copse Road, Wootton. In Newport, a 2-car crash at St James’ Square is causing delays.
UPDATE @ 19:52 – For the second time in just 24 hours, the mainland-based Collision Investigation Unit is on the Island.
Officers are now on scene at Newport Road as they investigate the circumstances of today’s crash and create a forensic map of the scene. The road is expected to remain closed for the remainder of this evening.
The Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) investigate potential or actual life-changing, life-threatening and fatal road traffic collisions.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service have confirmed that the male motorcyclist has sustained serious injuries and has been airlifted to a mainland hospital, thought to be Southampton General.
UPDATE TUESDAY – Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward. They have confirmed that a man has sustained life-threatening injuries.
Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/news/witness-appeal-motorcyclist-suffers-life-threatening-injuries.
