Isle of Man TT shuts down spectator area after serious incident

Isle of Man TT organisers have provided an update following a nasty incident which took place on Monday, May 25, during practice.

Robert Jones

26 May 2026

A rider and spectators at the TT. Credit: Isle of Man TT.

Add as a preferred source

One rider and eight spectators were involved in a serious incident at the 2026 Isle of Man TT on Monday, 26 May, although the rider, along with six of the eight spectators have since been discharged from hospital. The other two spectators remain in hospital at this time, but they are conscious and receiving treatment.

The incident took place during free practice when a competitor and the spectators were injured. During its first statement at 17:30pm on Monday, TT officials said the incident occurred on the exit of Parliament Square, causing red flags to be waved with around ten minutes left.

However, a second statement was made on Tuesday morning at 10:00am, where it confirmed that the spectator area at Parliament Square will be closed off for the remainder of the event.

A marshal waving a red flag at the TT. Credit: Isle of Man TT.

Unsurprisingly, yesterday's session did not restart, while the evening’s qualifying sessions were cancelled as a result.

The rider and all eight spectators were then transferred to Nobles Hospital for further assessment and treatment, which is the up-to-date news we can bring you at this point in time.

Michael Dunlop riding at the Isle of Man TT. Credit: Isle of Man TT.

The second statement from the Isle of Man TT said this:

"As part of the structured safety review undertaken following yesterday’s serious incident, the spectator viewing area at Parliament Square will remain prohibited for the duration of the 2026 Isle of Man TT Races.
"Given the unusual nature of the incident, this precautionary measure has been implemented following an initial assessment by race, safety and operational personnel and reflects the Isle of Man TT Races’ commitment to reviewing and responding to safety considerations whenever an incident occurs.
"The review has involved detailed consideration of the circumstances surrounding the incident and the wider operational environment. While the multi-agency investigation process will continue, a number of immediate measures have been identified and implemented ahead of any further activity on the Course this evening.
"The safety of competitors, spectators, marshals, officials and all those involved in the event remains our highest priority.
"Two spectators remain in hospital and continue to receive treatment. The competitor and all other spectators involved have now been discharged from hospital.
"Our thoughts remain with those involved in the incident, together with their families and friends. We would also like to once again thank the marshals, medical teams, emergency and hospital services and all personnel who responded so quickly and professionally."

Monday’s bank holiday action was day one of the event which is set to continue throughout the next fortnight, with the Senior TT set to bring it to a close on 6 June.