Amanda Burns revealed that Darren remembers nothing of the horrific 160mph accident at the North West 200 which claimed the life of the legendary 'King of the Coast'.

The 37-year-old Co Antrim rider remains in hospital having sustained multiple fractures in the devastating crash when Dunlop's bike apparently seized and he was flung onto the road.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Life, Amanda said that her husband — who underwent surgery last Friday — had no chance of avoiding the fatal collision during the practice lap 12 days ago.

"He doesn't remember anything about the crash, he was knocked out cold, " she said.

"I watched it on the big screen and it was horrible, but I'm thankful our young son didn't see it.

"In a way it's a blessing that he does not remember because in light of what happened.

"It's not something I want him to remember."

The fatal crash happened as both riders approached Mathers Cross section of the course during the 250cc qualifier. Dunlop's bike seemed to seize and he went over the handlebars onto the road.

Another Northern Ireland rider, Denver Robb gave an eyewitness account of the accident: "Coming up to Mathers, Burns was leading and I was second, just sitting in his slipstream," he said.

"Then Robert came past me and, as soon as he did, he just shot off into Mathers and the bike seized. There was a puff of smoke and the bike locked up — she went sideways — and I think Robert must have grabbed the front brake.

"He went out over the top of the bike and landed on the road. Then Burnsy had nowhere to go and clipped him and he went straight on."

Both Darren and Robert were rushed to Causeway hospital, where, tragically, Robert died from chest injuries. He was buried in Garryduff outside his home town of Ballymoney last weekend.

Contrary to media reports which claimed he suffered a broken leg, Darren's injuries are much more serious and he may be in a wheelchair for 12 weeks.

The Stoneyford man suffered multiple fractures including a broken pelvis, T-8 vertebrae, coccyx, wrist and ankle. He also sustained nerve and tenson damage to the right hand side of his body.

He was initially transferred to the Royal in Belfast last Monday, where he underwent surgery on Friday to have pins placed on his shattered ankle.

His wife said he is currently considering his future in road-racing in light of recent events: "Darren is not fit to race the rest of the year and he hasn't made a decision yet about racing next year."

She added that he now faces a long road to recovery, consisting of bed rest and physiotherapy.