A MOTORCYCLIST has died following an accident during yesterday’s Devon Air Ambulance ride out.
The incident on the A386 in Hatherleigh involved three motorcycles and required two of the charity’s own air ambulances to be called. The deceased rider’s female pillion suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Derriford Hospital, while two other riders were taken to Exeter's RD&E from the third bike with less serious injuries.
A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service told Devon Live: “We were called at 11.33am to a serious road traffic collision on the A386 near Hatherleigh.
"We allocated one rapid response vehicle, two air ambulances and three road ambulances and attended a number of casualties.”
A statement released by Devon and Cornwall Police read: “At 11.32am on Sunday 15 July 2018, Police were notified of a three vehicle road traffic collision on the A386 between Folly Gate and Hatherleigh.
“For reasons as yet unknown, a Triumph Rocket heading towards Hatherleigh has lost control and the rider and pillion have fallen from the motorcycle.
“Two motorcycles following have then become involved in subsequent collisions. The rider of the first motorcycle involved was pronounced deceased at the scene by attending paramedics. A female pillion on the first motorcycle suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Derriford; a female pillion on the third motorcycle suffered more minor injuries and was taken to RD&E.
“The road was closed and a forensic examination of the scene took place. Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision to contact them on 101 quoting log number 0405 15/07/2018.”
The annual event saw hundreds of bikers set off from Trago Mills in South Devon and Bideford in North Devon, converging at Teignmouth's Den.
