TT 2017: UPDATE: Lee Johnston set to be moved to hospital in Liverpool

Northern Ireland's Lee Johnston is due to be flown to hospital in Liverpool on Sunday following his crash in practice at the Isle of Man TT.
Northern Ireland rider Lee Johnston.Northern Ireland rider Lee Johnston.
Northern Ireland rider Lee Johnston.

The Fermanagh man came off at Greeba Castle on the Padgett’s 600cc Honda in a red flag incident that brought the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport qualifying session to an end on Saturday.

Johnston was initially reported to be conscious and has been taken to Nobles hospital by air ambulance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An update in the afternoon said he had suffered 'minor facial and back injuries' and would be kept in overnight at Nobles Hospital.

However, Johnston later revealed on Twitter that he had sustained a 'broken back, coccyx and finger' and thanked his fans for their messages of support.

He had topped the practice times in the Supersport class with a speed of 123.369mph prior to the incident and also led the way in the Superstock class at 128.896mph.

The 28-year-old joined Clive Padgett’s Batley-based team to compete in the Supersport class at the TT. Johnston was also set to ride a Kawasaki in in the Lightweight race for Ryan Farquhar’s team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He signed for the Jackson Racing team this season but parted company from the outfit after the North West, opting instead to ride his East Coast BMW Superstock bike in the 1000cc classes at the TT.

Also on Saturday, Danny Webb crashed at Laurel Bank and was airlifted to Nobles with a shoulder injury, while Joe Akroyd came off at Glentramman and was take to hospital for further assessment.