Police chief’s stark warning after 5 Peak District bikers die in less than 40 minutes
A police[1] chief has issued a warning to motorists after a day of tragedy in the Peak District[2] over the weekend which saw five motorcyclists killed in less than 40 minutes after two separate crashes just a few miles apart. Three men – all in their 50s – were pronounced dead at the scene after a horror crash involving three bikes, a van and a car on the A53 near Buxton[3] at around 9.45am on Sunday (August 18).
Shortly after the incident, two men – both in their 20s – died in a collision involving two motorbikes and a car on the A6 north of Buxton at around 10.18am. The two collisions were less than four miles away from each other and occurred within the space of 40 minutes.
The catastrophic incidents have now prompted a police chief to come forward to warn motorists of the potential dangers of Derbyshire’s roads. Deputy Chief Constable Simon Blatchly, of Derbyshire police[4], said: “One fatal collision on our roads is one too many – but to have five people die within a matter of minutes really is unprecedented.
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“As a force, we see firsthand the utterly devastating after-effects of these incidents – with officers having to deliver the news to families that their loved ones will never be coming home. Now, as a biker myself, I love to ride the roads of Derbyshire and understand all too well the pull they have on fellow enthusiasts from all over the country – which is why I want everyone to be able to come back year after year to enjoy them.
“But while the roads may be excellent, they do not change the fact that motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in a collision – and make up a disproportionate number of fatalities compared to the numbers of vehicles on the road.
“Of the 25 fatalities on the roads of Derbyshire so far this year 13 have been motorcyclists (compared to just eight in 2023) and, while the investigations into these recent incidents remain ongoing, we know that previous fatal collisions have been due to rider error, often involving speed.”
Following the A53 incident on Sunday, a spokesperson for Derbyshire police said: “We were called to reports of the collision on the Buxton to Leek road just outside Buxton at around 9.45am on Sunday. The collision involved three Ducati motorbikes, a van and a car.
“Three motorcyclists, all men in their 50s, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their families are aware and our thoughts with them. The driver of the van, and two people from the car, were also taken to hospital. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.”
Laike Hudson, 23, of Taddington, and Dominic Gautrey, 28, of Barnsley, were named by Derbyshire police on Monday (August 19) as the victims in the fatal A6 crash over the weekend. The crash took place near Tom Thorn, between Buxton[6] and Dove Holes, and officers have now launched an investigation into the incident.
DCC Blatchly continued: “There will be an increased police presence in the Peaks this weekend and in the coming weeks and I would urge anyone with loved ones who are bikers to reiterate our plea to come home safe.
“And if you are out on the roads of Derbyshire this summer, please ride within your own ability – as well as those you are with – and ride to the conditions of the road. A mistake that might see you walk away as the driver of a car could easily be the last you ever make as a bike rider.”
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References
- ^ police (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Peak District (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Buxton (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Derbyshire police (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Join us on WhatsApp to get the latest news straight to your phone (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Buxton (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Get the latest breaking news and top stories from Derbyshire in our daily newsletter (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)