YOUNG speedway star Steve Boxall escaped almost unscathed after a terrifying crash, riding for Rye House at Hull on Wednsday night.

The 17-year-old from Sturry, near Canterbury, who was a world under-21semi-finalist last season, was taken to hospital with a suspected broken pelvis, but subsequent x-rays revealed only severe bruising to his hip.

However, the injury is likely to keep him out of the weekend meeting against Newcastle.

The accident happened when Boxall collided with team-mate Tommy Allen on the pit corner bend and crashed into the safety fence.

Both needed lengthy treatment from trackside medical staff, before being taken to hospital. Allen was badly dazed and suffered severe concussion.

It is the latest setback for Boxall, whose season has been dogged by illness and injury.

He was out for nearly a month with a broken thumb recently, and also sidelined with a severe bout of flu.