Motorcyclist dies after serious crash on A41 near Whitchurch
A motorcyclist has died after a serious crash involving a bike, two cars and a lorry on a Shropshire road.
The man, aged in his 70s, died following the crash on the A41 at Prees Heath, near Whitchurch.
The road, which runs between Tern Hill and the junction with the A49 at Prees Heath, remains closed while police investigate.
Paramedics carried out treatment at the roadside but the man died at the scene. The crash happened at about 2.15pm.
West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, Murray MacGregor, said a police community support officer first went to the aid of the rider.
He said: "Ambulance staff took over and carried out advanced life support.
“Tragically, despite all efforts, it wasn’t possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene. No-one else was hurt.”
A rapid response vehicle, two ambulances and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, with a trauma doctor and critical care paramedic on board, were sent to the scene.
West Mercia Police spokeswoman Laura Maltby said an investigationg is under way and officers are keen to speak to witnesses.
She said: "It happened on the A41 Higher Heath road at around 2.15pm and involved a blue Yamaha motorbike, a black Volkswagen, a blue Saab and an HGV lorry.
"The rider of the motorbike, a man in his 70s, suffered fatal injuries and the road remains closed at this time.
"Officers are keen to speak with anyone who saw the incident, who saw the vehicles and the manner in which they were being driven prior to the collision.
"We are advising motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes including via Knowles Lane."
Julian Taylor, a fellow motorcyclist from Wolverhampton, said he was coming back from Chester and came upon the scene of the accident just moments after it had happened.
He said the man had been ahead of him, but he lost sight of him only to then see a police car ahead and the rider and motorcycle on the ground at the scene.
"I had followed him for five to 10 minutes, he was just 200 yards in front of me," he said.
"I've been riding 46 years, but to see a lad die like that, and I don't even know his name, I had the most awful ride back. I've come back with tears in my eyes," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 362S of August 16.
The road is likely to be closed for some time into this evening.
