Red Bull KTM rider Jeffrey Herlings has returned to Belgium after being involved in a car crash on the highway when travelling back to Moscow after the MX GP of Russia at Semigorje, about 400 km north of the capital.
After the accident Herlings was assessed as having a mild concussion but the team decided to airlift him back to Belgium for a full medical assessment by the team‰Ûªs trusted medical doctor Dr. Andre Debruyne, a specialist in sports medicine.
After a comprehensive series of scans on Tuesday, Dr. Debruyne has confirmed that Herlings has escaped with just a cracked rib. He is in good spirits and all indications are that he will be able to compete in the next MX2 GP in Loket, Czech Republic in two week‰Ûªs time.
Herlings was traveling in the back seat of a car with a driver and three passengers when the crash occurred, caused by a truck stopped in the fast lane of the highway. John Hensen, supporter and friend of both Herlings and the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team was driving the car and another team supporter was in the front passenger seat.
Herlings and his mechanic Ruben Tureluren were travelling in the back seat. Immediately after the accident all four were transported to the nearest provincial hospital and later moved to an international class hospital in Moscow.
Hensen and the front passenger sustained the most serious injuries and remain hospitalised in Moscow. Herling's mechanic was badly bruised but suffered no other injuries. Red Bull KTM Team Director Stefan Everts stayed on in Moscow to provide support for Herlings and the others involved in the crash.
KTM have sent their best wishes all those involved in the accident a speedy and complete recovery.
Top Image: Herlings suffered a cracked rib and mild concussion on his way back to Moscow after winning the MX2 class at the Russian GP
Credit: Ray Archer
