IOM inquest hears of 'carnage'

Inquest into the death of a member of the public hears how two men were seen 'racing' moments before fatal crash

A SPECTATOR who witnessed an accident at last year's Isle of Man TT races, between two members of the biking public involved in a race has spoken of the carnage at the scene.

The court was shown video footage of the accident on Hailwood Rise taken from the Bungalow footbridge, which showed the deceased's Suzuki coming into contact with an MV Agusta ridden by Russell Williams moments before the crash.

One of the riders, Neil Joseph Edge, 44, of North Street, Stoke-on-Trent, died after being airlifted to Noble's Hospital following the accident.

Onlookers said they believed the two bikes were racing. Police accident investigator Constable Ed Radcliffe, who was on the scene soon after the accident, estimated Mr Edge's average speed through that section was 114mph.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Michael Moyle said it was not possible to say who was responsible for the two bikes colliding.

'The two bikes touched and lost control then physics took over,' he added. 'This is tragic for Mr Edge and for Mr Williams who still suffers the after-effects and remembers nothing of the accident. He is not in a position to travel to court.'