UPDATED: DOUBLE MOTORCYCLE CRASH CLOSES ROAD AT BLACKGANG – AIR AMBULANCE SCRAMBLED

Police have closed the A3055 at Blackgang where the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has landed in response to a road traffic collision this evening (Wednesday). It’s thought a crash has occurred on Blackgang Road – the main Niton to Chale road – near to the Viewpoint Car Park. The incident happened shortly before 19:15, with the air ambulance landing at around 19:35. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has an ambulance crew, a critical care paramedic and an operational commander on scene, now assisted by the flying medics. UPDATE @ 20:36 – 2 motorcycles have been involved in the smash at the entrance to the Viewpoint Car Park. Island Echo is told that 1 of the motorcyclists involved has sustained serious injuries. He has been flown directly to Southampton General Hospital by the air ambulance, which lifted off from Blackgang at 20:15. The second rider involved has escaped with minor injuries. At the time of the crash 1 of the motorcycles was leaving the car park and the other was entering, it is understood. Debris and fluids strewn across the carriageway have been cleared by firefighters from Newport and Ventnor. Police have now reopened Blackgang Road in both directions, under give and take, whilst the vehicles are recovered from the scene. Tonight’s incident is the latest in a string of motorcycle crashes over the past 3 weeks – but the first this reporter can ever recall involving 2 motorcycles and no other vehicles.