Tanks a lot
By TMX Archives on 2nd Oct 08
PIONEER Yamaha pilot, Wayne Smith, suffered a narrow escape recently when he hit an army tank while out riding with his team at the Bordon Army Training Camp in Hampshire. The 26-year-old former British Under 21 champion was 20-minutes into his training session when he crested a jump to find a tank heading towards him.
I got the fright of my life when I saw this thing coming straight at me. It T-boned me, breaking my left ankle and damaging my left knee, said the amiable Cumbrian.
I ended up in a bush 20-yards down the track but the bike was totally trashed under the tank's tracks, and when the driver got out to see what had happened he only saw the bike and immediately thought I was under the tracks as well. He reversed the tank off the bike totally squashing the swinging arm.
So thank goodness I wasn't under it, added Smith.
The tank driver and crew were relieved to find Smith down the track and immediately summoned help and Wayne was air-lifted to a nearby hospital where his broken ankle was diagnosed and treated.
He was due to have an MRI scan on his damaged knee last Wednesday.
Lewis Gregory's dad, Alan, recreated the scene using toys and string, something even Blue Peter presenters would be proud of.
This only goes to demonstrate, riders should check that their riding site is safe for use!