Marshals who were at the 26th Milestone when a motorcyle struck two spectators during last year's senior TT have been recounting the experience, at an inquest in Douglas.

James Keith McKay, from Ramsey saw the rider's head strike a post as the machine approached the embankment where he was standing.

He lost sight of the bike for a second, then heard a loud crash and it came over the embankment in pieces.

Mr McKay said the machine came towards where he was standing with two others marshals, Janice Phillips and Hilary Musson.

He said he was extremely fortunate not to be hit himself, but debris struck Mrs Musson and he quickly realised Ms Phillips, his partner, had been hit in the arm and knocked unconscious.

Referring to the two spectators who were struck by the bike, Mr McKay said somebody tried to give CPR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation) treatment to one of them, Dean Adrian Jacob, from Kidderminster.

The other one, Gregory John Kenzig, from Australia, had very serious injuries, beyond what could be dealt with by first aid treatment.

Mr McKay said the road was covered in debris and fluid, but the race wasn't stopped.

Indeed, when the helicopter touched down at the nearest suitable location, across the road, people had to wait until the coast was clear before taking the casualties across, by stretcher.
Mr McKay said he had been marshaling at the 26th Milestone for four or five years and had never seen a 'Prohibited area' sign.

He said he didn't know it was a 'Prohibited area' for spectators, as was discussed at the inquest yesterday, and as far as he was concerned it was a safe place for spectators to watch the races.

Mr Jacob and Mr Kenzig, and the rider, Marc Ramsbotham from Norfolk, all died in the incident.

The inquest continues.