Police officer thrown 15 metres in 60mph horror bike crash

Samantha Teasdale
·3-min read
Ben suffered a broken shoulder, a dislocation of his first right rib, damage to his right AC joint, and a partially collapsed lung, alongside significant bruising.
-Credit: (Image: YAAS)


A North Yorkshire Police officer's horrific motorbike incident will be featured in an upcoming episode of Yorkshire Air 999.

Ben Ashe, 30, suffered serious injuries in a high-impact motorcycle collision on a winding country lane in Hampsthwaite, Nidderdale. He was just 0.4 miles into a bike ride after work with a friend when his journey took a devastating turn when he collided with a car on a 60mph road which threw him over 15 metres from his bike and hit his head on a dry-stone wall of a residential garden.

Thankfully, a concerned Dutch couple, who were on holiday in the UK and staying at the property, overheard the accident occur. Along with Ben’s friend and fellow biker, they quickly called emergency services, staying by his side. Initially unconscious on impact, when Ben regained consciousness, he explained how he felt dizzy and was sick in his helmet, alarming 999 call takers who feared he could have a serious head injury.

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Ben receiving treatment after crash
Ben receiving treatment after crash -Credit:YAAS

In the episode, Yorkshire Air Ambulance critical care paramedics, Sam and Becky, were dispatched to the scene, flying 28 miles from their RAF Topcliffe air base in Thirsk. They arrived prepared for the range of serious injuries often seen in motorcyclists, who are 50 times more likely to be killed in accidents compared to car drivers. While on route, Sam explained, “For someone with life-threatening symptoms like this, a head injury of this nature, is at the top of our priority list.”

Upon arrival, a land ambulance crew was already at the scene and were conducting a primary assessment of Ben’s injuries, who was now conscious, but disoriented, struggling to breathe, and experiencing severe pain in his shoulder, hip, and neck.

Ben’s protective riding gear, including a helmet, leathers, gloves, and a back protector, was vital in reducing the severity of his injuries. Sam said: “We attend a huge number of motorcycle accidents, and there’s a vast difference between people who wear protective clothing and those who don’t. In this case, it definitely reduced the injuries Ben would have had”.

Ben's motorbike after crash
Ben's motorbike after crash -Credit:YAAS

The YAA team coordinated with the land ambulance crew to transfer Ben to the nearest major trauma centre which was Leeds General Infirmary.

Ben had suffered a broken shoulder, a dislocation of his first right rib, damage to his right AC joint, and a partially collapsed lung, alongside significant bruising. He spent three nights in hospital before returning home on crutches and is now recovering with regular physiotherapy sessions. Reflecting on the incident, he said, “I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who helped me that day—from the YAA team to the ambulance crews, and the doctors and nurses at LGI. The speed and professionalism with which they all responded truly made a difference and gave me the best chance at recovery”.

Ben adds: “I can’t stress enough how important protective gear is. If I hadn’t been wearing mine, the injuries could have been much worse, or even fatal. It saved my life, and I’d urge every motorcyclist to wear the proper gear”.

The episode will be airing tonight(Friday, November 22) on Quest 9 PM.

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