BREAKING: Two riders dead after catastrophic 11-bike Oulton Park crash in British Supersport race

Two riders have tragically died and six more injured in a 'catastrophic incident' on the first lap of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park on Monday. Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, were both fatally injured after a chain reaction saw 11 riders fall from their bikes.

This had been the opening weekend of the British Superbikes season, which is scheduled to run for eight rounds across the UK, before three 'showdown' events. Australian Richardson was racing for the Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki team, while British star Jenner was with Rapid Honda.

The Supersport Championship serves as a support series to the main Superbikes event. Richardson finished eighth in last year's standings after earning 146 points, while this was Jenner's second year racing in the championship.

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Tom Tunstall, a 47-year-old rider for SRG Specialist Risk Group Ducati, has been transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries. Five other riders were treated at the track for minor injuries, while three more escaped unharmed.

Monday's tragic incident led to the cancellation of the remainder of the event. Motor Sport Vision Racing, who operate the Oulton Park track, confirmed a full investigation had been launched in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.

An MSVR statement read: "At the start of this afternoon’s Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.

"Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled. This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.

"Owen Jenner (21) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where despite further resuscitation treatment, he died from a catastrophic head injury.

"Shane Richardson (29) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries. He died prior to arrival.

"Tom Tunstall (47) was initially treated on the track and was taken to the circuit medical centre, he was later transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.

"A further five riders were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries, which did not require transfer to hospital. These riders were #9 Carl Harris, #39 Max Morgan, #48 Cameron Hall, #78 Freddie Barnes, #95 Morgan McLaren-Wood.

"Three further riders were also involved but were uninjured. These riders were #25 Lewis Jones, #37 Corey Tinker and #90 George Edwards. The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary."