SHOCKED witnesses have spoken of the moment a van and motorcycle burst into flames in a horrific accident which claimed the life of a biker.

Motorcyclist Ronnie Sheehan, who was 36, was pronounced dead at the scene of Wednesday night’s crash.

The van driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Devastated friends yesterday placed flowers on roadside railings at the site of the crash in Marine Parade East, Clacton.

Pensioner John Tarrier and friend Christine O’Grady live opposite the crash scene, in Heseltine Court.

They were watching TV in Mr Tarrier’s top floor flat when they heard the collision.

“There was an absolutely terrific bang,” said Mr Tarrier, 66.

“The explosion was unbelievable – we thought it was a bomb going off.

“We looked out and everything was on fire.

“It was like a horror scene out there. The motorbike was under the front of the van.

“I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Gazette:

Emergency  - paramedics at the scene. Photo: John Tarrier

Mrs O’Grady, 64, said: “I thought it was the building going up and I panicked.

“I saw a van with the bike underneath. It stopped and the van blew up in flames.

“Then the driver of the van opened his his door and rolled over on to the pavement.

“The driver was on fire – everything was on fire. It was like an inferno.”

Mr Sheehan’s friends were in tears as they laid flowers at the scene yesterday.

Police were called just before 8pm to the collision between the Kawasaki motorbike and Vauxhall van.

The van driver – a 37-year-old man from Clacton – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Gazette:

Huge loss - flowers left at the scene of the tragedy 

Mr Sheehan’s biker pals last night planned to retrace the route of his final ride from Fossils Cafe, in St Osyth Road, to Marine Parade East.

Fellow biker Colin Gentry said he had known him for four years.

“To be honest he was one of the best blokes I’ve ever known,” he said.

“He was always smiling, always happy and always one of the first to offer help to anyone in need.

“No matter what it was, he would be there to help.”

Married dad-of-four Mr Sheehan had been riding bikes most of his life.

“He would do anything for his family - he was that sort of person,” said Mr Gentry.

“He will be remembered for always having a smile on his face and always being out on bikes, because that’s what he loved.”

  • TRIBUTES to Mr Sheehan have been posted on Facebook.

Sister Clair Hartley said: "Can't put into words how I'm feeling right now.

"My heart hurts so much for the loss of my brother Ronnie Sheehan and for the heartache his wife Emma Sheehan-Pile, his beautiful children, his brothers, sisters, mum and best friend are suffering.

"Ronnie was the most amazing person, kind, generous, caring and loved by so many.

"They say life goes on but life without Ron is not gonna be easy. Ride with the angels, hun. Love you always."

The organisers of the Bum in the Mud motorbike rally said: "Sadly today many woke up to the news that our good friend and local lad Ronnie Sheehan has died following a motorcycle crash last night in Clacton on Sea.

"Our thoughts now are with his wife and children and everyone who knew him, as such BITM is donating all raffle monies raised at our April rally to his wife Emma and family.

"So please please dig deep, buy that extra strip of raffle tickets and help us give our friend the send off he deserves and his family the helping hand.

"Love, loyalty and respect. Ronnie was the true meaning of the phrase. RIP buddy."

Jennifer Kirby said: "Sleep tight brother. Another one taken to soon. You ride those skies hard with our Neil. Love you so much, till we meet again."

John Rowe said: "The right words fail me today. Ronnie Sheehan you have left us too soon. I can say it was a privilege to have known you even if it was for a relatively short time.

"You always had a kind word and a smile of encouragement for all. I never heard a bad word about anyone fall from your lips.

"My thoughts and prayers are with you family and loved ones today. You were a rare one off who will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

"You live on in your legacy. As long as there is one person to remember you, you will never truly leave us. Watch over your loved ones from the highway in the sky."