Tragedy as British tourist, 69, dies in motorbike accident on Road of Bones

The tourist was on a trip organised by a Moscow travel company when he ‘lost control of his BMW motorbike’ hitting the oncoming tanker, it was reported. 

Pictures from the crash scene were published by regional media. 

The British tourist was named as Graham Demitros Vavangas, born in 1949.

He died at the scene of the crash, said reports. 

The Road of Bones or Kolyma Highway connecting Yakutsk to Magadan was built in the Stalin era by Gulag prisoners - many of whom perished during the construction.

Vavangas was killed some 325 kilometres from Yakutsk on the in the direction of Khandyga village in Yakutia, the world’s coldest region.

The Briton's body was later transported to Khandyga.

Interpreter Alexander Pakhomov said: 'Graham Demitros Vavangas from Great Britain has been killed. 

'On 25 July he would have turned 70. 

'We met on Sunday in Yakutsk for the excursion for a group of bikers. 

'They planned to reach Magadan. Their tour had began in Vladivostok.'

Vavangas, believed to be from West Sussex in the UK and to have had a career in the aviation industry, had posted on the travel company site: 'This is truly an adventure trip of amazing proportions (Moscow-Vladivostok). 

'The great distances across this vast country, stunning scenery, fascinating traditional Russian villages and life all packaged, arranged and led by highly experienced and responsible guides. 

'One of the most interesting and enlightening motorcycle tours you could join which will leave you with a snapshot and better understanding of Russia from west to east. Thoroughly recommended.'

A group of six were on the trip including the Briton, a Canadian and Russians. 

None of the others were involved in the accident. The group included a back-up car.

Tass reported that the British Embassy in Moscow were providing consular assistance to the bereaved family. 

'The British Embassy in Moscow is in contact with local authorities regarding the death of a British citizen in Yakutia and is ready to provide consular assistance to the family of the deceased,' said a report.