MISANO, Italy, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Japanese motorcycle race Shoya Tomizawa was killed Sunday when he crashed during the Moto2 San Marino Grand Prix.

Pole sitter Toni Ellis finished ahead of Julian Simone by 1.9 seconds for his fourth consecutive win on the Misano World Circuit.

Ellis' victory was overshadowed by the crash in the 15th lap that resulted in fatal injuries to the 19-year-old Tomizawa.

Race organizers said in a written statement that Tomizawa was riding in a tight formation with two other riders when he went down and was struck by oncoming bikes. The BBC said the track was dry at the time.

Tomizawa and British rider Scott Redding were taken to a hospital where Tomizawa died a short time later of head and chest injuries. Officials said Tomizawa was transported by ambulance rather than helicopter because of the need for respirators that could not be used in the chopper.