One Rider and Two Spectators Killed in Isle of Man Tt Crash

A rider and two spectators were killed today on the final day of the centenary Isle of Man TT races.

The rider, competing in the Senior TT motorcycle race, and one of the spectators died at the scene. A second spectator died after being admitted to Nobles hospital.

The accident occurred at the 26th milestone on the 2,036ft Snaefell mountain, which is the highest point of the course.

Neither the rider nor the spectators who died have been named. Two other spectators were injured.

That the race is dangerous is indisputable: there have been 223 deaths over its 100-year history.

The modern race, around a 37-mile circuit, involves high performance bikes reaching speeds of nearly 200mph and taking around 200 bends.

However accidents involving spectators are rare. A statement from the event organisers said: "The coroner of inquest has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is under way.

"The organisers of the event express their sympathy to the families and friends of those involved."

The deaths cast a shadow over the week-long festival of road racing's centenary year. The fastest lap of yesterday's race by Senior TT winner John McGuinness, from Morecambe, Lancashire, on a Honda Fireblade was timed at one hour 46.44 seconds - a record average speed of 130.354 mph.